The CDC recommendation is hogwash and will most likely serve to put off many
breastfeeding mothers from breastfeeding due to the extra work of having to
use a mask.  A formula fed baby is at higher risk of contracting the illness
than a breastfed infant.  I am disgusted at the CDC for writing this
ridiculous guideline (though not surprised).

An anecdote of one-last year, over the Christmas holidays, I contracted
influenza, the real McCoy.  You 'know' when you have influenza and I was
subsequently diagnosed with it as well by my HCP.  I was miserable and so
sick I couldn't lift my head off the pillow and stayed sick for the better
part of 10 days. During this time my 3rd child was 9 months old and fully
breastfed (no solids yet).  He was with me pretty much constantly, DH would
bring him to me to nurse him and care for me then take him to play.  My
baby, who was obviously exposed before I showed symptoms and then
continuously exposed thereafter, NEVER got ill.  Not even a sneeze,
sniffle-NOTHING.  I wasn't wearing a mask and didn't wash my hands since I
couldn't even manage to make it out of bed without fainting.  What kept him
from contracting the flu?   Hmmmm-I figure it was all that
chock-full-of-antibodies breastmilk he was chugging down straight from the
source!  Breastmilk, that my body produced in full quantity even though I
was very ill. (Another myth-that mother's bodies cant produce 'good enough'
milk if they are ill, or that it is too taxing on the mothers body, so wean
and do more work making up formula and bottles and then take care of the
sick baby...)

The CDC needs to get a clue-and get out of collusion with the formula
industry.

Robyn Roche-Paull
LLL & IBCLC (student) San Diego
************************************************************************

Mama to Morgan (8) Siobhan (5) and Tiernan (20 months)
Proud Military Wife to Stephen (10 years)
*************************************************************************
Breastfeeding: An American Family Value

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