What are the recommendations for breastfeeding in regard to H1N1 flu?
Infants who are not breastfeeding are in general at higher risk of infection and hospitalization for severe respiratory illness than infants who are breast fed. Women who are not sick with flu should be encouraged to start breastfeeding early and feed often. Ideally, a baby should get most of its nutrition from breast milk to receive as many antibodies as possible from its mother. The risk for H1N1 transmission (spread) through breast milk is unknown. However, with seasonal flu, it seems that the virus does not usually get into the blood stream and cross into breast milk. Sick women who are able to express (pump) their milk for bottle feedings by a healthy family member should be encouraged to do so if their doctor or other health care provider agrees. A mother who is taking antiviral medications (drugs that fight viruses) to prevent or treat H1N1 infection can still breastfeed if her health care provider agrees. Sick women who don’t have anyone to help with infant care while they are
