Is breastfeeding my 14 week old going to protect her from getting...

[jeliphish]

the high fever and diarrhea that my 3 year old is apparently coming down with today? :
Of course last night was the first time she decided to to a "paci swap" as well.... ugh.

[MeepyCat]

Probably not, sad to say. Stomach viruses are insanely contagious.

I'm so sorry, mama.

[zinemama]

I wouldn't imagine so. Hope everyone feels better soon.

[jeliphish]

should I start dosing up on probiotics then? or can you even give that to a 4 month old?

[PatioGardener]

Your breastmilk will provide probiotics (Lactobacilli) to your baby. If she does get sick it could very well be less severe because you are breastfeeding.

I hope you are all feeling well soon!

[smeep]

It probably won't prevent her from getting it, but I can promise you it would be worse if she were not nursing. I would also recommend giving your older daughter some of your milk (via sippy cup if she's not interested in nursing). It'll help keep her hydrated, etc. And I would advise against any probiotics for the baby. ANYTHING besides breastmilk that goes into a baby affects their gut and thus their ability to absorb nutrients and increases their risk of allergies. And the more that goes in, the higher the risk. It's just not solid foods that fall under the 6 mos rule when it comes to allergies and gut issues. So I would avoid anything if not absolutely necessary and I don't imagine that being the case - breastmilk is truly great!

[luv-my-boys]

sounds like it might be a stomach bug which often is contagious. I would be a little hand washing crazy at this point for everyone including your infant (especially if your younger one touches her or if they have toys that might be common like rattles and such) Breastmilk is very good for her and if say you get it or exposed to the "bug" your immune response will be heightened to it and it will pass to her in your milk. She still might get it but it may not be as bad. I once had a house full of the worst case of flu our family has had and everyone but my bfing baby got it.