Wondering if anyone knows anything about e coli in breastmilk? Symptoms and if ok to give to baby?

Question

Was told today I had e coli in my breastmilk. Can't find anything online about it. Can someone help?

Answer 1

The only way there would be e. coli in your breastmilk (assuming you are talking about directly from the breast, not stored milk) is if you had e. coli in your bloodstream NOT your digestive tract. If you had e. coli in your bloodstream you'd probably be in the hospital, and even then as long as you are receiving treatment breastfeeding should continue in all but the most serious AND anti-biotic resistant illnesses:

http://www.kellymom.com/health/illness/mom-illness.html
If mom has food poisoning, breastfeeding should continue. As long as the symptoms are confined to the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps), breastfeeding should continue without interruption as there is no risk to the baby. This is the case with most occurences of food poisoning. If the food poisoning progresses to septicemia, meaning the bacteria has passed into mom's bloodstream (mom would most likely be hospitalized), see this guidance from Dr. Ruth Lawrence:

"Maternal infections of the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract do not pose a risk to infants except in the rare circumstances when septicemia occurs and bacteria might reach the milk. Even in this event, continued breastfeeding while the mother receives appropriate antibiotic therapy that is compatible with breastfeeding is the safest course for the infant. If the infecting organism is especially virulent or contagious (e.g., an invasive group A streptococcal infection causing severe disease in the mother), breastfeeding should continue after a temporary suspension during the first 24 hours of maternal therapy. Prophylactic or empiric therapy for the infant, against the same organism, may be indicated." [source: Lawrence RM & Lawrence RA. Given the Benefits of Breastfeeding, what Contraindications Exist?
Pediatric Clinics of North America 2001 (February);48(1): 235-51.]


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Call motherisk to discuss this with a qualified professional, and most doctors are NOT qualified when it comes to breastfeeding:
Motherisk: 9-5 EST
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Answer 2

The only way you could have e coli in your breastmilk is if you are infected with e. coli from something you ate. You should seek medical treatment immediately. It could be that your immune system is sufficient to fight back the amount of bacteria in your blood, but you need medication to eliminate it. Your baby may need treatment as well. Many women have bacteria in their systems that are nonproblems because the immune system keeps most of it in check. There is no reason to quit breastfeeding at this time.

Answer 3

Who told you you have e coli in your breastmilk and what test did they do to find this out ? (If there was a test)

Answer 4

call w.i.c they will tell you what to do and u can get in right away i really dont think its right to feed ur baby milk thats has e coli that is crazy

Answer 5

whaaaaaat? Thats impossible. Call your doctor back and get more information.

Answer 6

dont give to baby if you feel something is wrong go to doctor