fever and breast feeding - Breastfeeding Message Board

FLAngel · 10-07-2005, 05:58 PM

Hi All,

My daughter is currently 9 days old and I am breastfeeding. Today I got the chills and had a temperature of 100.9. I have read that even when sick, a mom should continue breast feeding as it will help keep the baby's immune system strong.

My question is, besides feeding, should I limit my contact with her? It would kill me not to be cuddling and kissing her every five minutes, but I am afraid that I might make her sick..

Also, I am deathly afraid of mastitis. Does anyone know what early indications to look out for and what precautions can be taken to potentially prevent the infection?

Thanks....

Ralinda30 · 10-07-2005, 06:25 PM

Mastitis,I think, is where a milk duct gets clogged and it gets hot and turns red...Do you have any of these symptoms besides fever? I would put a call into your ob, just to make sure you are not getting some type of infection..Did u have a C-section? And is your stomach tender anywhere? Just wash your hands real well before holding your daughter, she is getting some immunity in your breast milk....Hope you feel better..Ralinda

siren1024 · 10-07-2005, 07:37 PM

Mastitis is unbelievably obvious. Your boob will hurt SOOOOOOOO bad you won't even be able to stand something brushing against it. Nursing will bring you to tears. I had mastitis TWICE with EACH baby. UGGH. 4 times in all.

As far as the fever goes, I was always told to keep nursing, no matter what. Your baby will get the immunities from your breastmilk from any virus you may have or will ever have.

Good luck! If you have breast pain or red streaks, I'd get to the doc ASAP. If you do have mastitis, keep BF'ing. Not only will it not hurt the baby, it will help it pass much more quickly. It's crucial for mastitis to keep breasts drained frequently.

If you have anymore questions ask me! Unfortunately, I have way too much experience with mastitis!!!!

dizzygirl · 10-08-2005, 10:56 AM

I agree, mastitis hurts like hell, you would know if you had a breast infection. I was sick when DS was 5 weeks, and has a fever as well, and the doctor said nursing was better for the baby than anything. Just keep your hands clean, feel better!

Laur77 · 10-08-2005, 03:31 PM

When my son was just over a month, my husband and I both had terrible colds/flu. We did all we could, washed our hands, and even wore masks around him. However, he caught it. But because he got the antibodies from me, all he had was one day of sneezing and coughing. Whereas my hubby and I were knocked out for a week with it. So even if they do catch what you have, it will likely be to a much less degree.