![]() These precautions are especially important for infants younger than 6 months of age because they cannot be vaccinated against influenza viruses. How can a breastfeeding mother with flu protect her infant from getting sick?Ī mother with flu should take precautions to avoid spreading flu to her infant (regardless of feeding method) because infants are at high-risk of serious flu-related complications. If a mother is expressing breast milk, the expressed breast milk should be fed to the infant by a healthy caregiver who does not have flu, if possible. Prior to expressing breast milk, mothers should wash their hands well with soap and water and, if using a pump, follow recommendations for proper cleaning. A breastfeeding mother with flu may need access to a hospital-grade pump and additional lactation support while in the hospital and after discharge to maintain her milk supply and reduce the possibility of developing a breast infection. If direct breastfeeding is interrupted due to temporary separation of mother and child, the breastfeeding mother should be encouraged and supported to regularly express her milk so that the infant continues to receive her breast milk. Visit Guidance for the Prevention and Control of Influenza in the Peri- and Postpartum Settings for more information. CDC has specific recommendations that apply to mothers who have flu and their newborns in the hospital setting at the time of birth. Newborns infected with influenza viruses are at increased risk for severe complications, including death. Are there special considerations for mothers with flu in peri- and postpartum healthcare settings? ![]() Expressed breast milk can also be given from a cup, syringe, or bottle if the infant is unable to breastfeed directly at the breast. ![]() Infants who are ill need fluids to stay hydrated and breast milk is the best option. When an infant has flu, the mother should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding or feeding expressed breast milk to her infant. ![]() Can infants who have flu continue to breastfeed? Because breast milk supply could decrease for some mothers while they are ill, mothers may need additional lactation support from a lactation provider to address milk supply concerns, reduce the possibility of developing a breast infection, and support the breastfeeding relationship during this time. If a mother is too sick to feed her infant at the breast and another healthy caregiver is caring for the infant, the breastfeeding mother should be encouraged and supported to regularly express her milk so that the infant continues to receive her breast milk. A mother’s breast milk contains antibodies and other immunological factors that can help protect her infant from flu and is the recommended source of nutrition for the infant, even while the mother is ill. Should mothers continue breastfeeding if they have flu or come in contact with someone with flu? The flu is spread mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk, or possibly, when a person touches a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touches their own mouth or nose. Flu is not spread to infants through breast milk. Can the flu be transmitted through breast milk? Pregnant women and young children, among others (e.g., adults 65 years of age and older, people with certain medical conditions) are at high risk of developing flu-related complications. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Influenza (also called flu) is an acute, contagious respiratory tract illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |