Does Breastfeeding Cause The Mother To Have A Lower Immune System?
February 28, 2010 by Guest Author
Filed under Breast Feeding Supplies
Before I had my daughter I was never sick. I would get a slight cold every now and again but it would usually clear up after a day. Since having my daughter I have been sick twice, she is only 4 months old. Once with a very bad cold that I had for about a week and just recently a stomach bug for four days. I know that breastfeeding helps the baby to build their immune system but does it decrease the mothers? Or is it just coincidence that I have been sick since starting to bf?
You are very susceptible to illness in that first few months or so when you are exhausted, tapped out & likely not taking nearly as good of care of yourself as you are of that baby! Make sure you are eating as balanced as you can & taking vitamins!!! I have been breastfeeding now for almost 3 yrs non stop & I was ONLY sick early on. So no – the lactation alone does NOT make you prone to illness…but exhaustion sure does! (Take a nap)
Breastfeeding wouldn’t lower your immune system, it wouldn’t change it at all. But being tired and not taking vitamins, along with not eating as healthy as you could(especially since your body is giving vitamins and minerals you need to baby) are all things that come along with having a baby and those could all effect your immune system.
It is more likely that your immune system is down because you are being too active too soon after having your baby. Breastfeeding should not be the sole cause of a lowered immune system. (or the cause at all, for that matter!!) Just relax more and work less.
Speedy Recovery : ) .