WWYD? mommy of preemie probably has whooping cough

[vanilla]

WC has been going around and around our circle of friends. A friend of mine gave birth 6 weeks early (don't know why; natural, problem-free birth, just came early) to a 4lb 14 oz boy Thursday. She was planning a homebirth, but ended up going to the hospital because she didn't realize she was in labor; she just though she was in a lot of pain...anyways, the baby is doing really well and is home now and nursing well and everything. But the mama has a persistent cough and has had it for about a week; she's been exposed to WC several times and it seems very likely that is what she has. My dh was on the phone with her dh tonight, and he was wondering what they should do. She's unvaxed I think, and has never had WC before. The baby is of course unvaxed, and he's only 4 days old....I'm familiar with the usual treatment of WC as our children have had it for several weeks and are getting over it (we didn't "treat" it with antibiotics, but did do a lot of research.) I can't seem to find much that's helpful about nursing and antibiotics, or what they would even want to give a baby that young, side effects, etc....I'd appreciate any input or help. They were hoping I could look into it for them. Thanks!

[Gitti]

I would absolutely not use antibiotics or anything else. In grown ups it is not dangerous and the baby will be protected throu her bm.

dh and I had it several years back and well...it lasted all winter but was never severe. We did nothing and in Spring it left.

I just re-read your post. They are concerned about the baby and want to give the baby something? That would be a big mistake since the mom will build antibodies and the baby gets them through her bm. It is the greatest protection that child can have.

[vanilla]

I'm not sure they want to give the baby anything. They are not really into "traditional" medicine. With a preemie, though, they are more worried. I keep finding all this conflicting information on breastmilk antibody protection in pertussis cases...it's very frustrating, no one ever studies this stuff!

[vanilla]

yes, to clarify, she isn't concerned at all for herself, just that the baby will catch it.