As swine flu continues to spread across the globe, it has become necessary for healthcare associations to establish recommendations for breastfeeding women that have become infected with the H1N1 virus. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have each released guidelines for breastfeeding women that are sick with the swine flu. These guidelines will help breastfeeding mothers that are ill with the swine flu ensure that they are providing the best possible care to their infants.
Swine Flu Breastfeeding Guidelines
Guidelines established by The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women that suspect they have the swine flu, or are diagnosed with the H1N1 virus continue breastfeeding. It is important that women with the swine flu continue to provide breast milk to their infants, since it is likely that they will have already exposed their child to the virus prior to the onset of symptoms.
Breast milk has protective properties that may help to prevent swine flu infection in an infant, or may help prevent severe respiratory symptoms in infants should they become infected. In addition, it is unlikely that the swine flu will be transmitted to the infant through the breast milk, since reports have indicated that transmission of seasonal flu through breast milk is very rare.
Breastfeeding While Sick With the Swine Flu
Because breast milk has components that stimulate the immune system and have antiviral activity, women who continue to breastfeed while they are infected with the swine flu may be able to help prevent swine flu in their infant. Because of these protective properties, the ABM and CDC recommend that mothers increase the amount of breast milk given to infants during an influenza outbreak.
To help prevent swine flu transmission from mother to infant, it is recommended that mothers wear a mask while breastfeeding or express their milk and allow an alternate caretaker to feed the baby.
Breastfeeding is also encouraged while mothers are taking prescription antiviral medication. The antivirals, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are both effective against the swine flu. Recently published studies of both antiviral medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women have shown that the concentration of the drug that crosses into the breast milk is minimal and is considered to be a safe amount for an infant to ingest.
Steps to Protect Infants from Swine Flu Infection
Parents can take additional steps to protect their infants from swine flu by:
- Washing adults' and infants' hands frequently with soap and water.
- Washing any items that have been in the baby's mouth thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wash pacifiers (including the pacifier ring/handle), toys, and other items that have been in contact with other children before giving them to the infant.
- Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
By following these steps and adhering to the breastfeeding guidelines established by the ABM and CDC, women can help to protect their infants from swine flu infections.
References
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: "Breastfeeding/Swine Flu Recommendations for Physicians"
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know"
Tanaka T, et al "Safety of neuraminidase inhibitors against novel influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant and breastfeeding women" CMAJ 2009
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