Lactnetters,
I got a call yesterday from a mom breastfeeding her baby who is almost 6
months old.  She states these past few months she has had several bouts of
sickness (colds, flu) lasting 2 - 3 weeks each.  States she is usually a
very healthy person.  States her husband is encouraging her to stop nursing
because he thinks the breastfeeding is "taking her immunities".  I explored
other possible reasons for her being more sick, and she agreed that she has
been under several "life changes" recently.  In the past year she has moved,
changed jobs, and had a baby, who is now in daycare while she works.
My general suggestions were for her to continue breastfeeding, and that the
more likely cause for her increase in illness is more likely due to her
stress factors/life changes, plus being exposed to the germs her daughter is
getting in daycare.  She said that her daughter has had a couple colds and a
couple ear infections - states neither were bad.  I emphasized that her
daughter likely would have had more illnesses and been sicker with the ones
she had if she wasn't breastfed.
I know that breastfeeding doesn't "take immunities" from the mother, but
that the breast manufactures them specifically for baby, but does anyone
know of any more specific research or information about mom's immunities,
etc. while breastfeeding?   I told this mom I would ask you and she is
anxious for any more information about this.  So far she is hanging in there
and breastfeeding nearly exclusively (small amounts of formula needed while
she works despite pumping 3 times during her work day), but any more
information would be appreciated.  Please email me since I'm not up to date
on my posts.  ([log in to unmask])
Thanks,
Lori Salisbury, RN, IBCLC
hospital based LC in Spokane WA

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