Extended Breastfeeding and Shingles

[IsItMeOr]

Hi,
Think I may have the start of an outbreak of shingles, and I'm breastfeeding 23mo DS. Going to GP later to check out whether it is indeed shingles, or paranoia (only about 5 tiny fluid-filled spots, but as I spend life with other mums, some pregnant, some with tiny babies, risk seems too great to not check it out).

I've tried the magic of google to find out whether or not I should carry on breastfeeding DS, but all the references I can find are to very young children, where the balance is in favour as they will likely still have immunity from mum for first 6 months.

Does anybody know? I'll obviously ask GP, but thought I would also check with the wise people here. Thanks!

have you checked breastfeeding network? they have a good supporter line. also a good drugs in breastmilk thingy and phone no. with a qualified phamacist who knows about drug safety when bfing, unlike some gps.
afaik, yes, you should keep feeding.

he might not get antibodies, but wheher you feed or not he will have been exposed to the virus in the vesicles (possibly) and could get chickenpox THEORETICALLY though afaik risk is small.

my pal had shingles while bfing lo and babay was fine.

hope you are better soon

Thanks Nicky - I got the GP to have a look and he was pretty sure it wasn't shingles. It's not developed into anything more, so I'm sure he was right. Phew!