If I'm Sick Can I Get Baby Sick??

Updated on October 31, 2006
A.M. asks from Lewisville, TX
7 answers

I woke up this morning with a terrible sore throat. It hurts to swallow and talk. I dont have a fever or anything but I'm deathly afraid of getting my 5 mo old sick! Am I allowed to take antibiotics if I'm breastfeeding? I have a dr appt at 3 but until then I'm afraid to get too close to my baby. He seems sad that I'm not interacting with him much today but I'm not sure what might get him sick. :(

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Seattle on

Same as what everyone else said...if you are breast feeding he will get the antibodies. Wash your hands often and don't let him touch your mouth and then put his hands in his mouth/nose/eyes. When my oldest was a baby, I got so sick with the flu or something. I was throwing up and it even made me pass out. My husband was unreachable and I had to call my Mom over to take care of the baby...I couldn't even stand long enough to change her diaper. She never got it (Thank God!).

Hope you feel better soon!
S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi Alexandra
Sorry you're feeling ill. When my twins were a few months old I had a sinus infection and a cough. I wore a mask every time I had to get close: diapers, feedings, a cuddle. I washed my hands a lot with regular soap and water and had the antibacterial stuff handy. My little guys looked at me a little perplexed when they saw the mask but then they would smile. Explain to your little one the best way you can that you don't want to pass on any germs.

I don't know about antibiotics and nursing but I can tell you that while nursing I refused to be on any meds. I had a c-sect, was on pain meds but cut them out right away just in case. The docs & nurses said it would be alright. Check with your pedi of course. Hope you feel better soon.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.W.

answers from Dallas on

It depends on what you have- if you are breastfeeding he is already getting the immunities to whatever it is! Pretty cool huh?
MOST antibiotics are safe, but be sure to mention the fact that you are BF to your MD- and don't tkae them unless you have a bacterial infection. They won't do anygood against a virus.
Practice really good handwashing. You can still play w/ the little one, just don't get right in his face, let him touch your mouth and then his etc...

Hope you feel better!

Oh! And you can mix 2 tsp liquid benadryl w/ 2 tsp Maalox gargle and swallow- it is safe and will help your ST (And put you to sleep- be careful)

D.
(Pedi RN)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Your entire family will swap sicknesses around all the time. It's inevitable. I would just take precautions, but I wouldn't beat yourself up if he gets sick. You do what you have to do. I wouldn't stay away from him...just take precautions. Good luck!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.

answers from Dallas on

I just had to let you know that I just got over a severe case of strep throat, and my little boy (who is actually just one day older than yours:) never got it! I was out of town with him when I got sick, and although he has had a little cold, it is nothing like how sick I got. I have honestly never been so sick in my life!! I thougt for sure he would get really sick, but none of my children got it THANKD GOODNESS!! Good luck, I hope you feel better soon, and I hope that you are having as much fun with your son as I am with mine:) I never knew that I could be in love with 2 men at the same time:) Luckily his dad doesnt mind the competition! ~A.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Dallas on

If you're nursing he's getting your antibodies. Also, I just heard that children under 3 aren't really susceptible to strep throat. He should be fine.
Definitely make sure your doc knows you're breastfeeding. If you get an antibiotic you will want to look out for signs of thrush/yeast in both you and the baby (it can affect your nipples and is pretty painful). You might even see if your doc would write you a prescription for nystatin just in case.
You can take Lactinex and eat yogurt with live active cultures to help fend off the yeast infections.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.O.

answers from Dallas on

Wash your hands often. Use Germ-X. Try not to cough on your baby. Take care of yourself. Sometimes when breastfeeding moms get sick, their milk supply can go down. I agree. Be sure to tell your doctor that you are breastfeeding. Everything will be o.k.!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches