Karla - posted on 02/23/2009 ( 5 moms have responded )
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Last week my son got his first cold, now I am sick. If I get sick does that necessarily mean that my son will get a cold too? Are my germs passed on via breast milk? It broke my heart to hear his little coughs last week and I am not looking forward to seeing him sick again.
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Karen - posted on 02/23/2009
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The best antibodies your baby can get is through your breastmilk. I had a cold last week and I just continued to breastfeed as normal. I just tried to make sure I was breathing on my little girl to much or coughing or sneezing (blowing my nose!) near her. It made feel a little sad not kissing her and loving on her as much as I normally do, but I made sure my husband gave her Extra Loves from me!
Allison - posted on 02/23/2009
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The opposite is actually true - since you are sick, you are making antibodies to fight your illness. Your son is now getting those antibodies through your milk, and that will either completely prevent him from getting sick or make him get a less-severe form of your illness. It works the same way if he gets sick first - the interaction between his spit and your nipples can signal your body to start making antibodies for him.
This is true for all illnesses, including stomach flu! The more he nurses when sick, the better off he'll be. I hope you feel better soon.
Marika - posted on 02/23/2009
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If you get sick before your baby, your baby will most likely not get sick because you will pass on the antibodies through your breast milk and not the the germs. That is one big advantage of breast feeding. So you are actually protecting him against all the viruses you get in contact with.
Renee - posted on 02/23/2009
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Your germs weren't pass through your milk, they were passed by your hands and face. If your baby is anything like mine, his hands are always on my face. Be sure that you wash your hands, and his, OFTEN to stop the spread of germs. And keep nursing! Like Nancy said, your son will get the antibodies that your body makes while it fights off the cold.
And a gentle reminder that cold medicines are NOT for babies! Natural remedies are best for baby: nursing, saline nose spray, humidifier in his room, and lots of TLC.
Nancy - posted on 02/23/2009
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Actually you nursing him while sick could help him not be sick as he will get your antibodies while nursing. Your body is making antibodies for you to fight off the illness and he will benefit from those.
As long as he is willing/wanting to nurse I would continue to nurse him. He will benefit from all you are giving him!
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