warning tmi - mum sick = unsettled bub?

[mama anne]

WARNING - do not read this if you are afraid of too muc information .....


i think i've had a mini case of foodpoisoning today ..... no vomiting just diarrhoea ... bubs has been quite unsettled today between feeds and also i'm wondering if there is a connection between my feeling sick and her behaviour? Could i have passed something through my milk which is making her feel sick also?

[Bearskin]

Your supply may have dropped a little if you have diarrhoea which could be making bub unsettled. Most cases of diarrhoea are due to bugs, not food poisoning. When breastfeeding, if your body becomes infected with any bug, if automatically starts making antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies are passed to bubs in your milk thus the reason why you may get ill but bubs stays healthy. Maybe just offer the breast more often if bubs is unsettled; both for food and comfort.

I had gastro when DD was about 4 months old and DD was fine but my supply dropped heaps; MCHN recommended heaps of fluids; water and sports drinks to replenish minerals and energy as I couldn't eat. When I was ill, DD fed every 2 hours (or less), sometimes for milk but also for comfort as she knew I wasn't well either.

Drink heaps and rest as much as you can. Kepp an eye on bubs poos; I found the only indicator that DD had been slightly ill from anything has been yukky, mucosy pooey nappies (sorry if TMI!).

Babies also have an amazing capacity to recognise if mum is not ok; if I am having a crappy/down day DD seems to pick up on that and can be clingy or grizzly.

Hope you feel better soon.