Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Sat, 16 Nov 1996 13:59:46 -0500 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
<< One of my trainees read in a
book (she can't remember which one) that a newborn is protected from
menengitis when BF. The reason given had something to do with colostrom
preventing the baby from getting menengitis (the really bad form of
menengitis) >>
The "really bad form" is generally caused by Group B Strep, which can be
picked up by baby during the birth, as Strep B is part of the vaginal flora
in many women (now most OBs do prenatal screens and treat if positive).
Strep B is common enough that baby can also pick it up from unwashed hands
that touch him & so forth. This is the reason that ANY fever in a newborn
needs attention.
While breastfeeding may offer some protection--and I doubt that we know how
much), it certainly won't necessarily "prevent" it.
My 18-day, breastfed nephew died from it. A painful reminder to me that, as
great as breastfeeding is, we can do everything "right" and stuff still
happens.
Nancy
|
|
|