Will BFing ward off sickness in 3 mo. old?

Jolie, BSN · Jul 4, 2005

Ok, so somehow, somewhere I picked up a cold. It's that head/chest-full-of-sludge type of cold. I have a 3 month old baby. I am being extremely diligent about hand hygiene after touching my mouth/nose and before touching my baby. But I'm breastfeeding, so we sit together and share the same airspace. Do you guys think it's possible that my baby WON'T get sick, or do you think it's just a matter of time until she'll gets it too? Can breastfeeding her give her enough of my antibodies to actually prevent her from getting sick too?

Respiratory infections are spread primarily thru droplets, so if you are really coughing and sneezing uncontrollably, you might want to wear a mask, but ABSOLUTELY continue to breastfeed. Your antibodies are vital to your baby now, and may well prevent her from becoming ill.

You already know the part about handwashing, LOL.

Feel better soon!

BETSRN · Jul 4, 2005

Ok, so somehow, somewhere I picked up a cold. It's that head/chest-full-of-sludge type of cold. I have a 3 month old baby. I am being extremely diligent about hand hygiene after touching my mouth/nose and before touching my baby. But I'm breastfeeding, so we sit together and share the same airspace. Do you guys think it's possible that my baby WON'T get sick, or do you think it's just a matter of time until she'll gets it too? Can breastfeeding her give her enough of my antibodies to actually prevent her from getting sick too?

You give antibodies to whatever you are fighting: this cold included.