Cathy,
We had a similar incident a few months ago.  If I remember correctly, both
parents had bad respiratory symptoms.  Mom may have had a temperature also.
Baby was about 34-35 weeks gestation and was admitted to our Special Care
Nursery.  I can't remember what was wrong with the baby, but she did improve quite
quickly.

Neonatolgist was out speaking to mom while she was pumping.  Mom
inadvertently touched face while she was pumping.  MD said that because she did that we
could not use her milk for the baby. No discussion with her about proper
hygiene.  Just outlawed her milk from the nursery.  Parents were not even allowed to
visit the baby in the SCN.

I tried to discuss this with him.  Actually I was just trying to pick his
brain about what he was thinking may be wrong with her.  I mentioned mom
producing antibodies to her illness and passing them on to the baby.  He actually got
quite irate with me, saying that mom produces antibodies concurrently and if
she had antibodies she herself would not be ill.
I can't remember how long baby and mom were separated, however at a follow-up
phone call, all was well with the breastfeeding.  Sometimes no matter how
badly we goof up, things still work out.

I tried very hard to find a study that had information about how soon
colostrum contained antibodies,  but could not find anything.  Would still love to
have a reference if anybody knows of one.

Sorry about the length of this posting.
Judy Hatfield RNC, IBCLC

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