immune system boosters

[Jessie Mae]

So, I'm a little freaked out about this flu/winter season. I have a almost 4 month old who is exclusively breastfed and not vaccinated. I was wondering if any of you are doing anything to boost your / your baby's immune system through your breast milk. I have a pretty good diet and I am going to start a 2 week on 2 week off regimen of Echinacia, but would like some other ideas as well. Thanks! I wish you all healthy seasons ahead!

[mama k nj]

I have heard good things about taking probiotics to boost your immunity. I have taken them off and on, but I'm not the best at remembering.

I always bump up the vitamin C if we are around illness. And I have read a lot about taking a vit D supplement during flu season to help prevent the flu. I had the whole family on extra D last winter and plan on doing the same this year. None of us got more than a little cold.

I never had any problems with DS getting sick when he was nursing. Maybe a runny nose or rare fever, but nothing that lasted more than a day or two. I guess the immunity from the breastmilk took care of him just fine.

[Tee25]

Same as PP. Been taking Vit C daily and will continue. Taking a multivitiman and CLO.

I am bfing my 3 month old. I've also started to carry Purell hand sanitizer and asking people to use it before holding her.

[jojoboy]

We take high quality probiotics - Culturelle. Plus some acidophilus. It definitely works. Also, high quality vitamins. I like the whole food brand. Not trying to be a snob, but quality in these items is important. Taking acidophilus from walmart is pointless (in my humble opinion). You can give moderate amounts of probiotics to babies, but I always felt like my BF baby was well protected. If we get sick, I'm always sicker than baby is.

[LindsC]

I'm still taking my prenatal vitamins and I have added a little bit of extra vitamin c for the fall/winter months. I am still considering take a probiotic, but haven't made up my mind 100% just yet.