Is breastfeeding making me sick?

[bethann]

Ever since DD's birth 6.5 mo ago, I've been getting sick over and over again- with flus, colds, sore throats, coughs, I've lost my voice 3 times!- I was just sick last month for 2 wks, and now again- sick with this awful cold!  I've always been super healthy- only needing antibiotics once in my childhood for a case of streap throat, so this is so unordinary! 

Am I passing ALL of my own antibiodies onto DD and leaving myself with none?

[Samuel's mum]

In a word - no! You keep all you need - I promise!

I think it's a condition called 'having a baby' and giving every tiny cell of your being over to looking after another human being and struggling to sleep, relax and eat well. But it's all worth it in the end. 

You'll be giving her a superhuman immune system as well!

Do you take anything to help boost your immune system like extra Vitamin C?

[binxyboo]

I agree with Samuel's Mum. There is no way Mother Nature would leave a flaw in the system like that! I still take my prenatal vitamins and drink some herbal teas like Mother's Milk and find that helps me relax etc. Are you getting enough rest? Silly question really, does any mother ever get enough rest?

[Jenifer]

Bethann - I was wondering the same thing!  I am just getting over a cold that lasted 25 days!  I NEVER get sick and if I do its never for that long!  Fortunately, my daughter didn't catch my cold ... and I think I'm finally over it myself.    

[Erin M]

You can continue taking prenatal vitamins which I've heard works well for some women.  Childbirth (as "natural" as it is) is still a traumatic event for your body, as is the lack of sleep that comes with having an infant.  Chances are you may not be eating as regularly as your were as well, so all that added together is most likely the cause of your weakened immune system.

[Jenifer]

I'm still taking my prenatal vitamins too .. but am probably not eating as well as I used to.  That, combined with not sleeping as much as I'd like to, is probably the culprit for my weakened immune system.

[LyndaManus]

Prenatal vitamins are key for me.  I can definitely tell a difference in my energy level if I don't take them.  I have been getting sick easy too, but I think it is more lack of sleep.

[bethann]

thanks, guys.  I went to the doctor and I have a bacterial infection so she gave me some antibiotics.  yuck, I'm missing work too. 

It's just that I've been sick on and off since the baby! I haven't really been taking my prenatal vitamins much and I do work full time- so I just must be really worn down.  Also my doctor said that during pregnancy your body suppresses the sickness- or your immune system works harder, so then after the baby's born, the immune system goes back to normal- however I think mine stopped all together 

[Jenifer]

Very interesting - thanks for letting us know.

If its not too personal to ask .. how did your doctor determine you had a bacterial infection?

[LyndaManus]

Can you take some prenatal vitamins???  They make a world of difference for me.

[bethann]

If its not too personal to ask .. how did your doctor determine you had a bacterial infection?

it's a bacterial infection in my sinuses- giving me an awful headache and chestache and sinus ache and sore throat and cough, etc.  she just looked at my throat and said it was all red and "drippy." sorry if tmi- i know, kind of gross! 

and- yes, I can take my vitamins. I had stopped because they would make dd spit up an awful ton and I thought they were harsh on her stomach.  but now I'm sure she's gonna be fine. i used to not be able to eat spagheti sauce and now I can eat whatever and nothing bothers her.

[LyndaManus]

I have to take mine at night or I get sick (can't take on an empty stomach).