Swine Flu and Breastfeeding

We are all hearing about "Swine Flu"...
Here is a link to the CDC website on Swine Flu with regards to being pregnant or breastfeeding.
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/clinician_pregnant.htm

"Women who are breastfeeding can continue while receiving antivirals.
However, women who are ill with swine influenza A (H1N1) should take
steps to reduce the risk to their infants, such as frequent hand
washing and possibly wearing a mask (see below). The risk for swine
influenza transmission through breast milk is unknown. However,
reports of viremia with seasonal influenza infection are rare.

Efforts to identify the risk for pregnant women from swine influenza A
(H1N1) during 2009 are underway. Enhanced surveillance for
hospitalized patients with swine influenza A (H1N1) has been
initiated."

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Please remember that mothers have breastfed their babies through a variety of illnesses, from colds and infections to chronic conditions including asthma and diabetes. Your baby is exposed to any illness you have before you know you are sick. One of the beauties of human milk is that when your body makes antibodies to combat an illness, these antibodies are passed directly into your milk, giving protection and disease-fighting abilities to your baby, too.

If you are wondering if you can take a medication while breastfeeding, check out this link... http://llli.org/FAQ/medications.html and for more information, call or email one of us. Most of us have access to Dr. Hale's book MEDICATIONS AND MOTHER'S MILK and can read you that information directly or even email it to you!