Immunity?

[ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight]

Hi. I was just wondering how the immunity thing works? Do babies get immunity from their mothers to viruses she has had (eg mumps, chicken pox, rubella) for a certain amount of time after the birth, or only if she is breastfeeding? And if so, what if you are only BF a bit?
I'm meeting up with someone whose brother had mumps over xmas - my DS is 4 months and slightly BF...lol but I had them about 3 years ago. Is he immune?
Ta

have just read that natural immunity to mumps lasts about 1 year - sound right?

I don't know...it depends, all a bit hit and miss.

Perhaps you could reschedule if you are worried?

i'm not really - i think it will be fine. thanks!

Natural immunity to mumps should last for life. Babies will have placental immunity from their mum when they are born but this gradually wears off, breastfeeding keeps that immunity topped up. I do know a few bf mums whose babies did catch chickenpox even though the mum had had them but they were really mild cases so I think the antibodies in the bm helped fight it. I think by 4 months your son's placental immunity will have worn off and I'm not sure how much breastmilk he is getting but I'm not sure you can really rely on that unless he is getting a lot. hth