CDC Advises Breastfeeding during H1N1 Pandemic
Formula is Added Risk in Swine Flu Epidemic
The swine flu epidemic emphasizes the health protection provided by breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, followed by at least partial breastfeeding during the introduction of food over the next year, to provide protection against infectious diseases and to decrease obesity, allergy, autoimmunity, etc. H1N1 makes this advice imperative to protect the most vulnerable, infants.
Even a Little Mother’s Milk Is Better than Formula
Mother’s milk is the natural prebiotic. It provides growth factors that help the infant digestive tract to mature and it develops a community of gut bacteria that is anti-inflammatory.
Initial, exclusive breastfeeding is best to avoid the promotion of inflammatory adult bacteria that occurs with formula. The rapid shift to adult flora is easily observed by the brown color and fecal smell of bowel movements, which persists after even a single bottle of formula. Exclusively breastfed bowel movements smell yogurty and are like white curds and yellow whey.
In its May 2, 2009 statement, "Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know", the CDC recommends using as little formula as possible, i.e. try to breastfeed exclusively, during flu epidemics. Even small amounts of breastmilk provide some protection.
Babies are Protected by Milk Antibodies and Lymphocytes
Babies transfer bacteria and viruses to the mother as they nurse. The mother also encounters potential pathogens. These two sources result in antibody production in the mother and accumulation of those antibodies in the mother’s milk. During breastfeeding, the antibodies, other antiviral molecules, as well as some of the mother’s immune system cells (lymphocytes) pass into the baby and provide protection. The mother’s immune system and milk adapt on a daily basis to potential threats to the baby.
H1N1 is New, but Milk Adapts
The H1N1 virus is a new combination of swine, bird and human flu viruses. Milk antibodies to H1N1 have not yet been identified, but since breast milk has provided protection against flu and all other viruses, it is the one sure bet in an epidemic.
Mothers Should Continue Breastfeeding if they Catch the Flu
The mother’s immune response is heightened during infection, so if the mother becomes infected, her milk should provide the best protection to the infant. The antiviral drugs currently in use, including Tamiflu, appear to be fine while breastfeeding, but check the CDC H1N1 web site for up to date information.
Infected Babies Need Breast Milk
Since breast milk is the best nourishment and infection protection for babies, it is obvious to continue breastfeeding if the infant becomes infected with H1N1. A mother nursing an infant with flu will produce and transfer in her milk antibodies to protect the infant.
The best protection for an infant during a flu epidemic is frequent breastfeeding and close contact between mother and infant.
H1N1 Infant breastfeeding
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