Dear All,
Regarding the chicken pox question- long term immunity to diseases is carried within IgG. IgG antibodies minimally populate breastmilk. IgA is the big workhorse antibody in breastmilk, which covers mucosal surfaces. So, when mothers have acute illnesses that involve mucosal surfaces such as runny nose, cough, sinusitis, diarrhea, her antibodies will go to the baby to help diminish the extent of those illnesses.
So, mom's immunity to illnesses such as chickenpox, measles, coxsackie hand/foot/mouth, mononucleosis, etc, won't protect the baby, since that immunity is held within IgG antibodies.

This segue ways into the other question about whether to give frozen or fresh milk to babies in daycare. During cold/flu season, best to give fresh milk in order to help the baby fight illnesses that are in the community. Remember that mom is making IgA to those acute viral illnesses.  In general it is always best to give fresh milk. Frozen milk is the next best option, but I agree that if some frozen milk is going to expire, use it up and freeze the fresh milk, unless there are serious acute illnesses such as norovirus in the daycare/community/family.

Anne


Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM
Clinical Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Medical Director, Mothers Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes
Founder and President of The Milk Mob, dedicated to building Breastfeeding Friendly Medical Systems and Communities

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