chicken pox: would you expose a toddler with an infant in the house?

[BethSLP]

**X-posted in Health and healing*** (mods I hope this can stay here as I'd like the opinions of other non-vaxers on this issue, as they seem to be the most educated on VPDs).

mamas,

a good friend of mine has two kiddos with CP right now. I would LOVE to expose my 3 yr old. I also have a 1 month old exclusively breastfed infant at home.

Is it risky to consider exposing her as he may get it? My DH did some reading and read that he is likely protected by my antibodies through the breastmilk, and if he did get it, he would likely get a mild case.

any thoughts?

I want to think this through before exposing and not being able to turn back.

XOXO
B

[jjawm]

I believe that the infant is also protected from antibodies he received from the placenta. I would consider exposing your older son, but I would also try limit kissing and sharing of toys until your older boy is no longer contagious.

[GAmomto5]

My DD2 was 3 days old when my oldest DS (5 yo) caught CP at school. I was (of course) EBF and she never caught anything. My MW told me that she would be covered from placental antibodies for 3 months and then possibly beyond with the EBF.

[WCM]

I too have read what your DH read OP.

I exposed my kids, after much thought, last year. They were 4 and 7. I kept the 12 month old at home. They got it in 12 days. Then the baby got it 12 days after them.

Statistically, the sibling who gets it 'second', meaning from the first case in the household, they get it worse. But, as you've read, younger kids get it milder usually.

So my youngest did get it, and it COVERED her body far more than the other 2. In her vulva, her hair, etc . . But, it hardly bothered her at all. Whereas the older ones itched and complained more, which again, is correct as the older you are the harder you can get 'hit' by it.

hope that helps.

[MoonWillow]

Its ok to put a heads up in here for your other thread but please only one thread per topic.
Thanks