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H1N1 concerns shouldn't impact breastfeeding |
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Written by Lethbridge Herald
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Sunday, November 22 2009, 10:33 PM |
Nursing mothers are being encouraged to continue breastfeeding if they or their babies contract the H1N1 influenza.
Information from La Leche League Canada indicates research has shown that human milk protects children from viruses in several ways and while it doesn’t necessarily prevent a viral infection, it can reduce the severity of illness.
Guidelines for breastfeeding mothers can be found online at La Leche League, Health Canada and Alberta Health Services websites.
“The breast milk proteins and components coat a baby’s mucous membranes,” said Daleen Bybee, a local La Leche League Canada leader. “Those are the points where viruses can enter.”
Bybee has been getting more calls from moms with questions about breastfeeding and H1N1 and she recommends breastfeeding continue or increase in frequency. Even without a pandemic, she suggests mothers considering weaning continue breastfeeding during the cold and flu season to give their child extra protection.
Mothers who become sick with H1N1 or suspected H1N1 consider wearing a mask during feedings and while holding their child. A mom who becomes too sick to breastfeed or is hospitalized and the baby can’t be brought to her for feeding should express her milk so the baby can be fed by someone else. La Leche League leaders can provide more information and assistance if needed.
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and the H1N1 vaccination are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Mothers who are using both formula and breastmilk may want to increase breastfeeding to boost the antibodies and immune factors their child receives during the cold and flu season.
Information about local La Leche League chapters can be found online at www.lllc.ca.
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