BFing- Mum & Bub? with gastro

[HotI]

I have had a tummy bug for a couple of days, horrible nausea followed by vomiting then tummy aches then needing the toilet. I have kept breastfeeding during this time (no choice really!) and just kept up my fluids.

I think my little one (6 months old) may now have it. She woke up smelling chucky (not normal) and her poos were watery than normal.

Do i BF her more often /less often/just follow her lead? She can drink water from a sippy cup, i'm thinking she won't need this but wanted to write it just in case.

thanks

[LimeSlice]

Keep BF as per normal, up her fluids even.

You will find that while they may share some illnesses you suffer, it isn't because of BM. But your antibodies to said illness will be in the millk.
So generally their bouts will be less severe than they could have been and will benefit from building their immunity - by both fighting the illness themselves and having your antibodies.

Hope that makes sense.
Esentially, whenever you or bubs (or both) are sick, the best thing you can do is to continue breastfeeding through the illness - BM is always better than any alternative in terms of health benefits when ill (save if you are taking some medication that is inappropriate for bubs)

Hope you both feel better soon!!

[~me~]

I had a bout of gastro in the early days of BF DD.
I just kept up fluids and , fed her more reguarly and then passed her off to DH once I had finished the feed to try and limit the contact. Also all the usual extra hygene of washing hands more reguarly.
As Lime has said, the bout DD gets should not be as severe as you are BF.
A combination of offering water from a sippy cup and the BF should keep her well hydrated.
Check out the Royal Childrens Hospital or Better Health website as they have great Fact sheets on little ones with Gastro.
Hope you are both well soon

[kelebek]

in our case DS had the gastro first and then passed it onto us I continued to bf him and it seemed to help. At least I knew he was getting some nutrients as well.

[MantaRay]

Yep, as the others have said, just keep bfing as normal. There should be no need for water as well as breastmilk is easily tolerated. If the wet nappies drop off though, it is best to seek medical advice.

I hope you are all feeling better soon