If mom has a cold, will breastfed newborn get sick too?

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Question asked by: Heather Submitted by Anonymous on September 5, 2011
My 5 year old son and I have colds. I have an 8 week old and am breastfeeding exclusively. I am so worried about her getting sick too! I have heard that newborns get so many antibodies from breast milk that it is unlikely they will get sick, but I was wondering if this is true. I am washing my hands and careful not to sneeze on her, but I'm sure my germs are on her just from breathing on her and her being close to me all the time. If she does get sick, is it really dangerous for her young age? I'm a worried mom. Thanks! Heather
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Comments

DrGreene

Breastfeeding an 8-week-old

Breastfeeding an 8-week-old makes it less likely she'll catch the family cold.

In addition to immune factors and targeted antibodies in breast milk, young babies do still have some remaining protection from respiratory viruses transferred from their mothers before birth, making colds less likely.

You are wise, Heather, to be careful about hand washing and not sneezing on her anyway.

The peak age for colds is 6 to 12 months old, when inherited immunity is fading, their own immunity is still building, and many babies are no longer breast fed.