Stomach flu and breastfeeding

[canoemom]

I was diagnosed with Gastroentenitis (stomach flu) yesterday. The doctors said that I was highly contagious and should avoid contact with my two children for 24 hours. I've been pumping to keep my supply up. The docs said that I needed to dump the milk to avoid passing the virus along to my 6-month old son. Before I dump all of this precious milk --- wanted to check with you all to see if anyone's been in this situation before.

[Lineymom]

Wrong!!! That is the worst you could do. Your baby has most likely already been exposed, and you are making immunities for it in your milk to help him fight it.
I got the stomach virus when my 2nd was 8 months. He felt a little rough and throw up only once, but I got much sicker. Be warned, you are probably going to get dehydrated and loss supply for awhile.

[pbjmama]

As pp said, your children have already been exposed. I would continue nursing as usual. And when you feel better, I would send the doctor some information on breastfeeding! I'm thinking of all the moms who decide to wean over things like this, the moms that don't have pumps and end up with infections, etc.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by pbjmama

As pp said, your children have already been exposed. I would continue nursing as usual. And when you feel better, I would send the doctor some information on breastfeeding! I'm thinking of all the moms who decide to wean over things like this, the moms that don't have pumps and end up with infections, etc.

best thing you can do is keep breastfeeding. hope you feel better soon!

[MandyAlicia]

I had the same thing back in January when my DS was just 6 weeks old. Doctor told me to continue BF since he was already exposed and getting my antibodies. He never got but my husband did