LO is 2 weeks old and I have shingles :(

lawyermama

I mostly lurk on these boards, but I need some positive thoughts or support.  My DS was born May 8 at 38 weeks -- healthy, happy, content baby.  I am EBF.  This morning, I noticed a large rash on my back/side with a cluster of small red bumps.  My husband thought it might be shingles, so I went to my GP and, sure enough, she said it is shingles. 

She prescribed an oral antiviral that is safe while breastfeeding, along with a BF-safe topical painkiller (although the rash doesn't hurt yet).  She said that as long as the baby does not come into contact with the rash, he "should" be fine. 

Of course, I am going crazy, so worried that DS might have accidentally brushed against my side while doing skin-to-skin BF or worried I could have scratched it and then touched him without realizing it.  I've spent much of the day crying.

Has anyone had shingles with a newborn??  I could really use some positive BTDT thoughts.  Thanks!!

ka2shaz

I am so sorry you are going through this! But I am glad you recognized it early enough to get medication. I got shingles at 8 months pregnant and did not realize that's what it was to get medication (it was on my high), so I know from recent experience how bad it is. I hope you feel better very soon and that your LO doesn't get chicken pox from it! 

LeroyII

My LO is 10 weeks and I have shingles.  I know how much this sucks.  I hate the anti-viral because I get a massive headache from it, but I'm taking it to help minimize the outbreak so LO doesn't get chicken pox.

The NP/lactation consultant at the peds office said that breastfeeding is the best thing I can do to help her avoid chicken pox as she will get some immunity from my breastmilk.  She suggested pumping and bottle feeding if I was worried but since LO won't take a bottle I'm just wearing nursing tanks and keeping the blisters covered 24/7.  It took me almost 2 days to realize what the itchy rash was on my back/side so I'm sure she was inadvertently exposed before I figured it out and she still hasn't gotten chicken pox.

The shingles started last Friday so it's been a week and the blisters are starting to scab, at which point I won't be contagious anymore.  I've almost made it safely and I am sure you will too.  Feel free to PM me if you want to chat more. 

OhSewCrafty

I've had shingles before and it effing blows. I'm so, so sorry and hope you feel better soon.

kreeper611

Try not to worry about what may have happened and focus on getting better. Shingles sucks! Hopefully you caught it early and can get better quickly.

lawyermama

Thanks, everyone ... I'm feeling a bit less panicked about it today.  The rash is covered with gauze and clothing, and so far (knock on wood!) it's not painful.  I'm grateful that the antiviral meds are BF-safe so that I can keep feeding LO and giving him some helpful antibodies.  One day at a time, I guess!