Q for moms that EBF and have more than one child OR moms that EBF and DC is in daycare OR BTDT moms...

Right now I have been pretty sick for a few days and DS is now sick as well. My DD is 4 mos old and I am concerned she is next. She is EBF but, that almost makes it worse b/c there is no way for her to avoid me - my nose is constantly running and I am constantly coughing and she is within 2 ft of me while I have a fever.

My DS was EBF until he was 10 mos and never got sick until then. But, this time around, with a 2.5 yr old as well I recognize its a whole different ballgame.

I am wondering now if DD really is protected from me b/c I am EBF OR if EBF is making it worse b/c she has to be in close contact with me several times a day...

So - for my question - If you EBF your baby did they ever get sick while you were EBF? And, if so, did they get sick from you or from someone else? ANd, finally, how old were they the first time they got sick?

I guess this is my own little unscientific study as to the benefits of EBF on the immune system

Message edited 5/31/2010 8:08:21 PM.

Re: Q for moms that EBF and have more than one child OR moms that EBF and DC is in daycare OR BTDT moms...

I EBF both my DDs. When DD #1 was 4 months old I caught a WICKED stomach virus. She never caught it. DD#2 caught her first cold (courtesy of DD#1) when she was 7 weeks old.

Just the fact that you have an older toddler in the house is a surefire guarantee that your DD is going to get sick more often. It's really not a big deal- although it is a hassle.

Re: Q for moms that EBF and have more than one child OR moms that EBF and DC is in daycare OR BTDT moms...

As long as you get sick first the baby should get a lesser illness if anything at all. You lass the antibodies on through your milk. Dd and ds never caught anything from my when nursing.