Sick Mommy
See? She's perfectly fine!
From the time Addison was born I was always terrified of being so sick that I couldn’t take care of her. I was worried I’d get the flu or something. I mean, I knew that I would get sick eventually, but I thought it would happen right in the beginning because I was so ill during the pregnancy. I’ve gotten a cold and an upset stomach since she came along, but nothing like what I just had.
About a week and a half ago I woke up and felt like someone sat on my chest! And it went downhill from there. Naturally I called the doctor, but the first question I asked wasn’t about the soonest I could get in. The question was whether or not I could breastfeed or not. Now, of course they didn’t know the answer because it seems regular doctors haven’t even heard of breastfeeding so I called Addison’s doctor. He promptly told me something like this:
“Breastfeeding is safer than not breastfeeding while the mother is sick. This is due to the fact that when you become ill, specific antibodies are produced in breast milk which, in turn, are transferred to the baby. This makes her more equipped to fight an illness you have before you even know you have it.”
Now I don’t know how true this is. I haven’t read up on specific studies so please don’t take my doctor’s or my word for it. However, I do believe it because the milk your body produces is truly extraordinary. It is specially designed for your baby and knows exactly what is needed for optimal nutrition. So why wouldn’t it know that your baby needs some extra help fighting off an illness? Pretty cool huh?
As far as getting better…I am feeling pretty good now. I had an upper respiratory infection and the doctor gave me some antibiotics that are safe for taking during breastfeeding and I should be as good as new soon.
The take home message: Unless you feel like you’re gonna hurl all over your baby and you cannot eat or drink much, I would continue breastfeeding. Of course always check with your doctor!
Have you been in a similar situation? Did you continue to breastfeed or did you supplement with formula?
