Chicken pox and a newborn

[Crossandratty]

Im concerned my son may have chicken pox - he's nearly 3. I also have a two week old baby - is she at risk? I'm breastfeeding so will this protect her?

[Crossandratty]

Bump - please, does anyone know??

[xxxresixxx]

You will have passed on immunity prior to birth (if you have had them) and will also pass on immunity in your milk. It is unusual for a child under one to get chicken pox. If they do then it's usually a very mild version. This is what the Dr told me when my DS was exposed to chicken pox aged 3

[Crossandratty]

Thank you xxx am panicking!

[pigsinmud]

Dc2 & 3 got chickenpox when dc4 was a week old. Dc4 got about 5 spots on her face - one was huge! That was it. I was bf her. HV said was possible she would get chickenpox again as she hadn't really had it properly.

[cravingcake]

I have 2 friends who both have toddlers & newborns who got chicken pox. One newborn was ok, just got the pox and poor mum had a rough couple of weeks. The other got the pox but also developed pnemonia and had a couple of days in hospital. So just be aware that it can happen (both were breastfed too).

[vodkaanddietirnbru]

I would contact your gp as chicken pox can be dangerous in newborns. Breastfeeding may not stop your lo catching it.

www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chickenpox/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx

My ds had CP at 5½ months (was not breastfed) and had childhood shingles at age 3.

[LadyCurd]

My 2yo got chicken pox when my baby was 11weeks. Toddler was covered but not too badly afflicted, baby was fine never go it. Also breastfed.

[MrsJohnDeere]

Ds1 was born with chicken pox. He was very, very ill with it. In SCBU for a week, had to be resuscitated twice.

I had had it as a child too.

I would err on the side if caution.