Keeping germs at bay

lnreynol · December 2013

This may be more appropriate for the breastfeeding board but I thought I'd try my luck since you are all quite knowledgable about BF. I have a 4 year old step daughter who arrived today for her week at our house (50/50 every other week) When she came we noticed she has quite the bad cold (runny nose and dry cough). DH and I set the rules that she could not hold her sister this week and she always had to wash her hands and cover her mouth, but I still can't help but worry myself sick that LO will catch the same cold. I am a licensed social worker so I am well aware of the DSM and diagnosis and such and feel that I may have some type of PPA or OCD and plan to discuss this with my OBGYN at my appointment this coming week. My question is, how do you diifferentiate between normal FTM worries and PPA/PPOCD?

Also, I'm looking for any pointers or suggestions to help keep LO from getting sick. She is EBF and I am told that this will help keep her immune system up, but I am so worried she will catch this cold and end up in the hospital. TIA for support/suggestions.

lnreynol · December 2013

Sorry, it was my intent to ask more about how BF increases antibodies. I remember them telling me at the hospital that LO was born with antibodies that I had but cannot remember much else regarding the discussion.

SharonB222 · December 2013

I'm a STM and taking precautions. As I FTM I didn't worry much b/c DD was born in the summer. So this is "new" to me also. It pisses off my DH and father in part when I ask them to wash up when they've returned from crowded places, but my mom supports me (and she's a fourth-time grandma). Im relaxed about many aspects of parenting, but with cold season here this is one I am remaining more vigilant about.

hollowway · December 2013

None of us want to see our LO sick, but if she does get the cold, it's helping to build her immune system in the long run.

My DD has a cold right now and I'm worried of course. She had srgery on her esophagus and trachea the day after she was born so I'm constantly terrified that her being sick will damage her surgery site. But until there's something to worry about, I'm keeping it low key.

Your breastmilk reacts to your baby and their needs. If you or your baby is sick, it produces anti-bodies. It may not prevent LO from getting sick, but it can help to make it less severe.

JaysonandKristin · December 2013

When you are in contact with germs your body creates antibodies to fend off disease. These antibodies are passed through your BM to your LO. So, if LO is exposed to the same environment as you, LO will get the antibodies you produce. Despite the fact that LOs little immune system cannot manufacture the antibodies she needs you are helping where she lacks.

lnreynol · December 2013

Thank you all for your responses, it's encouraging to hear that BF gives LO the best chance at staying healthy! Especially during that 3am feeding! :-)

sands42 · December 2013

Your LO will probably be fine- but just do you know... If he/she does get a cold don't freak out! My daughter just shared hers with ALL of us and my son was 3 weeks old at the time. He's all better now... We just watched him and used the bulb syringe a lot! It's no fun seeing them congested but it doesn't mean he will get so sick to go to the hospital or even the doctor. You will know if something is THAT wrong.... Mommy intuition will tell you

hope you all stay well!

DebateThis · December 2013

Henry's already had a cold, which was UBER fun during the 3 week growth spurt, lemme tell ya. Make sure you have a Nose Frieda and saline drops on hand and ride it out. Kids get sick, you can't stick them in a bubble. Just use safe hand washing practices and do what you can to minimize it.

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