thread: Probiotics in breastmilk?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Apr 2010
    Brisbane, Australia
    1,385

    Probiotics in breastmilk?

    Hi girls,

    This isn't a problem really, but a question.... As some of you will know, my little man has been in hospital since 9 days old. He has had several surgeries and now has a mechanical valve in his heart. Due to the nature of the valve he is at risk from infection more than usual so is treated more quickly and vigorously with antibiotics. He has had several lots already and he's only 8 weeks old. He is currently being fed my EBM through a NG tube and we're hoping to get him feding again over the next few weeks.
    My question is, due to the antibiotics, I am worried about his gut. Does BM contain enough probiotics to help him or is it worth me taking a probiotic? Would that help him or be a waste of money?

  2. #2
    ♥ BellyBelly's Creator ♥
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    Feb 2003
    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Australia
    8,982

    Breastmilk has hundreds of strains of bacteria in it, but given you want to particularly help a condition/restore due to antibiotics, i'd definitely get some baby probiotics. Antibiotics are ruthless to bacteria, good and bad.
    Kelly xx

    Creator of BellyBelly.com.au, doula, writer and mother of three amazing children
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  3. #3
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Mar 2010
    1,200

    You can buy a probiotic especially for breastfed babies. Like Kelly said, most babies do not need it but given what he has gone through some help would be useful. Go to a health food shop or a naturopath and buy a good quality one, they are usually stored in a fridge if they are 'good'.

    Lovely to hear he is on the mend. Take care.

  4. #4
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Sep 2011
    524

    Ladybirdflies - do you know the name of the probiotic for breastfed bubs? I'm just taking the 'Inner Health Plus' probiotic, when I remember to take it!
    The women at the chemist said it's better to take it at night, before bed so you're not eating and drinking lots and flushing it through i.e., it's got more time to just sit in your gut.

    Glad to hear that Charlie's going well and hopefully you'll get him feeding again soon. Expressing is hard work, you've done so well Glenny.

  5. #5
    2014 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Mar 2010
    1,200

    I *think* it s called Lifestart or something like that, it is especially made for infants that are breastfed. If you go to a healthfood store with a Naturopath or a Naturopath in a private clinic they will help. My daughter had severe nappy rash which was not anything to do with nappies, the probiotic cleared it up quickly.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jun 2009
    vic
    2,886

    Glenny you could get baby biotics and mix into the breastmilk I did it wheN DD was a Bub