Newborn bf advice - sickness bug

[damnitdamnit]

Looking for a bit of advice - should I continue to bf newborn (3 days old) ds with sickness bug?

On return from hospital dd2 started 24 hour sickness bug which dh then caught (been ill most of today) and now myself (just started) and dd1 seem to have got it.

I have been bf ds1 all going ok but should I continue through bug? Will he get it? Is it too late now anyway? I obviously don't have any back up of expressed milk as not started that yet but I do have some emergency cartons of formula.

I know it will only last 24 hours as dd2 was fine after 18 and dh pretty much better after 12.

Thanks in advance

[Lastyearsmodel]

Yes! Carry on feeding regardless of everything. You are your baby's sole source if food and interrupting now could mess up your supply.

You will have started producung antibodies to the bug as soon as you encountered it and your magic milk will be protecting your baby.

I had a bug when dd1 was 5w and was astonished to learn all this. However awful i felt, she was fine! Good luck.

[Lastyearsmodel]

My typing is awful, sorry. Hope your dh is doing all the cleaning up too!

[damnitdamnit]

I am so glad you said that as ds woke for a feed as soon as I pressed post and as I couldn't be bothered to find the bottles and steriliser i am currently bf him .

I guess it would be a bit late now anyway. Yes dh did the clean up of dd2 - which is why he got it next and as he's feeling a bit better is sorting dd1 out.

Not looking forward to the next 12 hours

Thanks for replying wasn't sure anyone would be about.

[damnitdamnit]

Sorry another question - just had to express a bit as really engorged and couldn't move my arms - should I throw away?

Would have normally frozen for bottles of ebm introduced around 6 weeks. It seems a shame to throw (6oz) but if it could pass on illness in 6 weeks I would rather get rid.

[MrsHoarder]

I'd throw. It can't be sterile and you know you have a bug that's passed by contact. And keep feeding. Best way to avoid dc coming down with it and top keep them hydrated throughout. Makes you feel even more drained though, but it will pass.

[damnitdamnit]

Thanks will do. He seems to be ok so far. Fingers crossed.

[Lastyearsmodel]

Sorry, finally fell asleep after I hit post!

Glad you're feeding and feeding and hope you're feeling better today.

Agree that it's best to chuck that milk - it comes out sterile and full of antibodies but could become infected from any non-sterile contact.

But I wouldn't worry about expressing for storage now - take to your bed with DS and snuggle and rest and feed and drink and eat what you can. Esp. drink. Your supply is being programmed to DS's needs in these very early days so demand feedung v important, but I'm sure you know that.

Congratulations on your lovely baby and tell your dh not to miss a door handle with the bleach spray!

My dp's colleague is a virus expert and says they live on hard surfaces 12 hours, fabric over 3 days and all over your skin so regular showers prevent it spreading. Hth