Flu vac/breastfeeding/our new little ones

[RachelS]

Hello mama's

I wanted to post this in our ddc because I wanted your thoughts and what you are doing....

The flu scares me ... especially with our newborns! I have a pre-school aged little one and a husband that works with the general public everyday. My feeling is to stay away from the flu shot all together, however, my dh is getting one and that is his choice. I am breastfeeding and I would be so worried about it getting into my breastmilk...

What are your thoughts please?

[IntuitiveJamie]

Quite simply: I don't do it. Just like I don't do vaccinations.
I prefer to keep myself healthy by eating right, getting lots of fresh air and washing my hands. The flu doesn't scare me.

[RachelS]

Thank you takebirthback! I really do appreciate your post!

[daceysmomma]

Never had the flu shot and have never had the flu . . . (granted, I am only 30!)

I tend to agree that overall good health and good handwashing should be all you need.

[stacyg]

I wouldn't do it. Like pp said there are other ways to stay healthy!

[beemama]

The few people I've known who got the flu shot actually got sick shortly thereafter.

[RachelS]

Thanks for the posts mamas!! OOoooo... yucky.. beemama.. good info to know! I am definitely going to stay away from it!

[Plaid Leopard]

I will never get the shot either.

[greenmagick]

Originally Posted by beemama

The few people I've known who got the flu shot actually got sick shortly thereafter.

:

[sophiekat]

i wouldn't get a flu shot if you paid me . . . . . too many nasties in it.

[danaalex]

no flu shot here either. you can acutally get sick from the shot. not worth it IMO. plus, if you are a healthy person and you get the flu you should be ok, and you'll pass those antibodies and immunities to the babe via breast milk

[IntuitiveJamie]

I don't understand how the flu became this really scary illness. I've had it many times in my life and you sure feel yucky, but it's not a big deal. Is it b/c old ppl die from it? Is that where this big fear came from. I really don't get it?

[RachelS]

takebirthback~ I am now definitely not getting the vax. However, I did post that it scared me b/c of my newborn, not really anyone else. I have had the flu too... just feel really icky for a few days and it passes... but if my newborn gets the flu it could be more serious b/c of dehydration... right??? I am just guessing...
I really just want to educate myself...


danaalex ~ oooo .... wonderful... that is great to know!!!!!

[Plaid Leopard]

If your babe gets sick then breastfeed, breastfeed, and breastfeed some more. It may all come back up or out but breastmilk is the best way to combat dehydration. If the babe had serious complications then of course you would seek treatment, but BF babies usually get through illnesses really well.

[lactivist]

I don't do the flu shot and don't worry about the flu. We have only had one bad flu in 17 years of being together. I have a mild flu right now and I have kept it minor by taking oscillococcinum, works like a charm. Dahlia is sick too but very minor and it doesn't even seem to be bothering her.
Wendi

[danaalex]

that is one of the greatest things about breastfeeding, passing on the antibodies YOUR body creates to fight a virus on to the babe

i've had 4 kids and they have all been babies in the winter we've NEVER done a flu shot, never will, and NONE of them has ever gotten sick sick. and none have ever had the flu. AND! since 2003, my oldest has been in some sort of "school" or organized group during the day during the winters. so, she has always been able to share her germs with us at home LOL. but they've all been breastfeed for at least a year, and no one is vaxed and they are all incredibly healthy

[RachelS]

Thank you again danaalex. That is wonderful to hear! Thank you for posting!

[IntuitiveJamie]

Rachel- I wasn't directing my question at you and I'm sorry if it came across as you are silly for being worried. You are a parent questioning things...nothing silly about that.
I was just really putting the question out there that I really don't understand how the flu got to be such a big deal. Seems like it's as common as a cold only you feel a little worse. So I am truly wondering how it got known as this big bad illness? Does anyone know? Seriously?

[danaalex]

well, i think some of it has to do with science really. they were ABLE to create a vaccine, so they did.

but really, immunocompromised and elderly are at risk for SEVERE illness with the flu. some can die from COMPLICATIONS from the flu, but not usually the flu itself. like they'll develop pneumonia.

the craziest thing about the flu shot, is that there are several strands of the flu ( like the cold virus has many versions) and they way they come up with the present year vaccine is to see what the main strands were the year or so before. SO, say you get the shot and you are vaccinated again strain 1 and 2, but YOU are exposed to and pick up strain 3, you are NOT immunized against it and therefore you WILL get sick with the flu.

i don't get why healthy people do that to themselves, but to each their own!!

Originally Posted by takebirthback

Rachel- I wasn't directing my question at you and I'm sorry if it came across as you are silly for being worried. You are a parent questioning things...nothing silly about that.
I was just really putting the question out there that I really don't understand how the flu got to be such a big deal. Seems like it's as common as a cold only you feel a little worse. So I am truly wondering how it got known as this big bad illness? Does anyone know? Seriously?

[lunamegn]

Don't plan on getting it either. Haven't ever gotten it. I feel like washing my hands, keeping myself healthy and breastfeeding are enough for my babe.