<<  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