nursing mothers immunity?

[Ginni]

I was on a short infection control course recently and the lecturer told us that nursing mothers have a greater chance of catching infections due to reduced immunity. I am really interested in finding out more about, does anyone know if it is true? Any good links about mothers immune status while nursing?

I have never heard of this....will try to look it up tomorrow. It sounds very unlikely. Pregnancy changes the immune system, in order to enable the mother not to reject the 'foreign' fetus. But no need to for this to persist in bf, biologically speaking...

I've heard this before (and also about being pregnant) but frankly from my own personal experience I've always been far healthier when pregnant and breastfeeding and have caught fewer infections. I've put it down to a healthier lifestyle, better diet and no drinking.

I always thought it was the opposite - that the mother's immune system is working extra hard to produce immune factors for the baby so gets the benefit of all that herself too. This is purely supposition I hasten to add!
Will be really interested to know the answer.

Ginni - I can't find any studies that say anything about this at all.

Can you ask the lecturer where the info came from?

I seem to remember being told that my immunity would be lower for the first 3 months or so after having my baby - that was one of the reasons given to me for having the swine flu vax. maybe it takes a while after pg to sort iself out?

I went to have a ultrasound done couple of days ago for what turned out to be an inflamed lymph node and the doctor said that when nursing your immune system is working harder and so even little cut etc, while shaving for example can provoke such a response.
So it would seem that when you're nursing, your immune system is on 'alert' and working well.