Forget the Flu Shot!

babybmom · October 2011

Yesterday at my daughter's one month checkup, my doctor strongly suggested I get a flu shot, which I never have had before. Since getting the shot, I have felt terrible! I've had a terrible headache (sometimes mild fever), am so tired, and just in general feel run down.

The worst side effect though is that it seems my milk supply has decreased, and my daughter doesn't seem to want to nurse. This is quite noticeable since I've had a very healthy supply since day one, and she's always been a very eager eater. She will nurse, but sometimes only for 5 minutes before pulling off and getting very fussy. Other times, she will completely refuse the breast and just cry.

I'm not really sure what to do, as it is Friday night and my doctor's office won't be open again until Monday. I'm hoping this passes and things go back to normal, but does anyone have any suggestions? Please and thanks in advance!

freeatlast2014 · October 2011

Oh my goodness, that is terrible. Did your LO get the shot too?

I have never had it but LO got one today and so I'm going to get one within the next week...but now I'm scared.

I hope it passes quickly. Does your dr. have on-call service that can talk to you or can you leave a message and have her call you back? I'd be concerned because of the supply issues.

Side note: I was told it's not a live virus so you shouldn't get sick. Could you have come down with something and it's just coincidental?

Athena0809 · October 2011

It is common to have flu-like symptoms with the flu shot, it's normal. But I've never heard of interfering with BFing, honestly I doubt it has anything to do with it, this just my opinion though. Can you call the after hours line or a nurse or doc on call for the weekend? most places offer that, your hospital might have a LC line too. I would have patience and keep offering the breast to LO, mine did what you mentioned at times and I didn't get the flu shot.

lachulavista · October 2011

I got the Flu shot yesterday night and haven't had any reaction to it ( knock on wood ) Ds has been nursing fine too. On the other hand Dh found out today that he has ear infections in both ears and has been in bed all day.

katie4253 · October 2011

It is the immune response from the shot. You should feel fine and your supply should bounce back in a day or so. I've never heard of it dropping someone's supply, but it makes sense if you body is doing its thing.

The benefits still far outweigh the risks, imo.

TeacherVicky · October 2011

The vaccine does not contain a live virus, so it can't make you sick. I wouldn't worry about having the flu.

I got mine on Wednesday. It is the second time I have gotten it in my life (the first was nearly 10 years ago) and I got it because we have DS and he is only 6 weeks old. My milk supply is fine and the only side effect I have is a sore arm (at the injection site).

Maybe you didn't drink enough water? Eat enough? Lack of sleep? All things that can affect your supply.

ETA: DH has never gotten the flu shot and also got his on Wednesday. With LO being <6 months old, it was a no-brainer for us since he can't get the shot.

cottonlily84 · October 2011

The last and only time I got a flu shot I felt like I had the flu. They tell you you can't actually get the flu but usually leave out the sidenote that you can get flu like symptoms. I even missed a day of work I felt so horrible. That's why I refused the flu shot in the hospital, I didn't want to feel even worse after a c-section with a baby in the NICU.

pitterpatter129 · October 2011

I got mine a few weeks ago with no side effects what-so-ever. Maybe you've just caught a bug at the same time. I've never known anyone who got sick from the shot. Could you have a mild allergy to a shot ingredient? Maybe the stress of not feeling well is what is causing low supply too. I hope you feel better soon!

vanfox · October 2011

When you're sick, your supply can dip, though since it's from the flu shot, it'll probably be back to normal in a day or two. Drink a LOT of water, eat oatmeal if you have it on hand, get a lot of rest. I know your LO doesn't want to nurse, but just keep offering.

heie0008 · October 2011

Every time I get the flu shot I get "flu-like symptoms". I call it my "mini flu" and it lasts for about 2 days. I have no idea about it effecting supply though...

MesmrEwe · October 2011

The "Flu like symptoms" are simply a reaction to the ingredients making up the vaccine... Any chance there's a history in your family of an egg allergy?

A lot of people I know, especially my family, have a bad reaction when they get the flu shot, hence why I'll never get one.. The amount some (o.k. all of the ones who have had a reaction) have had to take time off from work from the shot has been far more than if they had just gotten the real flu..

Your supply should come back when you start feeling better. Just go with the flow until then though - hope you feel better!!!

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