The topic of breastfeeding in recent decades has been characterized by unprecedented relevance, which is caused by the emergence of many infant formulas for feeding infants.

Undoubtedly, all parents want to raise a child with good health, therefore, from birth, they are responsible for his nutrition and creating favorable conditions for normal development. At the same time, every mother wonders whether immunity is transmitted to the child through breast milk. .

Not all pregnant women are familiar with the concept of “children’s immunity,” but every person is still obliged to have the necessary information when setting out on the path of parenthood. The fact is that it is the formation of children's immunity that determines the child's health for the rest of his life. Therefore, parents are simply obliged to pay due attention to strengthening the child’s body’s defenses.

In the medical field, immunity is usually understood as a unique system designed to minimize the negative impact of external and internal factors on the human body. It is no secret that in conditions of good immunity, a child is less likely to suffer from various diseases and developmental disorders. But against the background of a decrease in protective forces, for one reason or another, various colds and other ailments develop.

Stabilization of the child’s immune system occurs only after three months of age. Until this moment, the body does not produce the necessary immunoglobulins, which, accordingly, must be obtained from the outside.

During the gestation period, the deficiency of this important element in the child’s body is compensated by nutrition from the mother. After the baby is born and in the first months of his life, immunity is formed through breast milk .

Breast milk and baby's immunity

The results of numerous studies give every reason to say that breastfeeding a baby has a positive effect on his health. As medical practice shows, breastfed babies are less likely to experience lung and ear infections, infectious diseases and disorders of the functioning of the digestive system, which cannot be said about children whose parents preferred to feed with special formulas.

Such high efficiency of mother's milk is quite easy to explain. The fact is that breast milk is filled with antibodies, enzymes, fats and proteins that help strengthen children's immunity.

Of course, leading manufacturers of infant formula try to ensure that their products contain the maximum content of all nutritional components necessary for the normal development of the baby. However, breast milk has a much better composition and is also easier to digest.

So, breast milk contains a sufficient amount of:

• Immunoglobulin A, which protects the body from the negative effects of foreign microorganisms and prevents their penetration inside. The habitat of this component is the respiratory tract, digestive tract, saliva, nasal cavity and vagina. This distribution ensures maximum protection.
• Lysozyme is an enzyme that, in tandem with immunoglobulin A, provides sufficient resistance to pathogenic microorganisms.
• Oligosaccharides. The main functions of this element include preventing the proliferation of pathogens, as well as curbing the development of infectious diseases.
• Lipids that have a detrimental effect on bacteria that enter the body, damaging their outer surfaces.
• Lactoferrin is a protein that helps destroy bacteria and harmful microorganisms by attaching to the iron necessary for their nutrition.

The composition of breast milk is also represented by such well-known proteins as interferon and fibronectin, which also help strengthen the body's defenses. Thus, it becomes obvious that sufficient immunity is formed with mother's milk .

Breastfeeding your baby strengthens his immune system, but this is not the only positive side of the issue. So, it has long been no secret that the child’s body is too susceptible to allergic manifestations. In addition, we should not forget that childhood allergies are dangerous not only due to the symptoms represented by a runny nose, sneezing and shortness of breath, but can also lead to more serious consequences. We are talking about asthma, which in most cases cannot be completely cured.

Leading experts insist that strong children's immunity is formed from breast milk, which is considered the most effective preventive measure in preventing allergies. Breastfeeding is strongly recommended even if the child’s parents are familiar with allergic manifestations firsthand.

Conclusion!

In order for your baby to grow up healthy, he must be breastfed until he reaches the age of three. This is the best thing a loving mother can do for her beloved child.

With the birth of a child, parents often have a question: does the newborn have innate immunity, and how to increase the resistance of the small organism to evil bacteria and viruses. Today we will look at the features of the immune system of newborns and ways to strengthen it.

The fetal immune system is formed at the end of the 5th month of intrauterine development. And although antibodies are still not produced, the protective functions of a child’s body are similar to those of adults. In the last weeks of pregnancy, all the necessary antibodies enter the baby’s body through the mother’s placenta, which will work to protect against viruses for the first six months of the newborn’s life. If a toddler was born ahead of schedule, this can significantly affect the incidence of diseases in the first months of his life. When a young mother breastfeeds her baby, antibodies from her body continue to support the baby’s immunity until his little body learns to do this on its own.

Breast milk and baby's immunity

Many parents believe that breastfeeding is a panacea for any disease of the newborn. The baby actually has protection from the diseases that the mother suffered during pregnancy, such as chicken pox or measles. Bacteria and viruses that appear in different seasons are also neutralized by antibodies from the mother's breast. However, those diseases where the intervention of lymphocytes is necessary can also occur in breastfed infants. Here, my mother’s “defenders” are powerless, because the body’s own body must produce lymphocytes.

We share concepts newborn baby And baby. Therefore, below is information about raising and strengthening the immunity of a newborn (up to 4 weeks) and an infant apart.

How to strengthen a newborn's immunity?

In the first days, parents should be especially concerned about the baby’s weak immunity.

• Lactation. Some mothers give up and transfer the baby to feeding with artificial formulas due to low lactation in the first week of the child’s life. This mistake can cost your baby’s health, so from the first days after the birth process it is necessary to actively increase lactation. It is with the help of breast milk that a small child will receive all the necessary protective substances that will cope not only with viruses, but also with allergic reactions. The immunity of a breastfed newborn is significantly higher than that of formula-fed children.
• Purity. It’s not for nothing that our grandmothers advised not to show a newborn for the first 30 days after birth. The child’s immunity is still weak and is not able to counteract the many bacteria that guests bring with them. Invite your friends to the first meeting with the new family member no earlier than 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital. During the first month, try to ventilate the room in which the newborn is located more often. This will help resist inhalation of dust that is harmful to local immunity.
• Bathing water. Often the quality of water supplied to our home through the water supply system leaves much to be desired. If there is the slightest threat of infection, you should boil the water before bathing.

How to boost a newborn's immunity?

• Vaccinations. Vaccinations against hepatitis B (the first day after birth) and tuberculosis (in the first week) are mandatory in the first month of life. Do not neglect these means of combating diseases, because this could cost your baby his life.
• Hardening. Start with washing, bathing and walking in the fresh air. Ventilate the room so that the air temperature is no higher than 23˚. In cold weather, you can open the window 5-7 times a day. At this time, it is better to take the baby to another room. And in the summer you don’t have to close the windows at all, but you should make sure that the child is not in a draft. For walks, be sure to dress your baby appropriately for the weather. The first acquaintance with nature should last no more than 15 minutes, after which the walking time can be gradually increased. Even changing clothes and the first gymnastics is hardening with fresh air. It is better to start washing by the end of the third week of life. First, the water temperature should be at least 28-29˚. Only wash your face, heels and palms.
• Vitamins. To increase the immunity of a newborn, you can use the Multi-Tabs Baby vitamin complex, which is approved for use from the first days of life. It can be easily added to milk or drunk from a spoon, because its taste is quite pleasant. Its intake does not cause objections in newborns.

How to strengthen a baby's immunity?

After a month and up to six months, the number of mother’s antibodies in the child’s body gradually decreases and the formation of their own begins. In order to strengthen your immune system during this period, you must adhere to the following tips.

• Regulating infant nutrition. The child continues to receive most of the nutrients that enhance immunity from the mother. Breastfeeding to strengthen the immune system remains a priority for children from 1 to 1.5 years old. At the age of 8 months, it is advisable to introduce fermented milk products into the child’s diet, because increasing immunity is closely related to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Sufficient sleep time. Lack of normal, long-term sleep can lead to a weakening of the body's protective properties. Therefore, it is important that the baby sleeps at least 12 hours a day. With age, sleep time decreases.
• Elimination of overheating. Young mothers should remember that the child should have one more layers of clothing than she herself. You should not wrap your baby in all the existing clothes in the house, this will not preserve his health, but will only weaken him.

How to increase immunity in an infant?

• Outdoor games. This is a simple and easy method of hardening with air, which gives good results in the fight against viruses and bacteria. In addition, on summer days, you can put a bath or pool outside and take water treatments, which have a beneficial effect on the body's resistance to diseases.
• Fighting fever. When our child is sick, we strive to at least somehow alleviate his suffering: we rub his sore throat, rinse his nose with him and bring down the debilitating temperature. However, elevated body temperature is a protective reaction to the virus that has settled in the baby’s body. This is a sure sign that the child’s body is fighting a cold. Doctors do not recommend lowering the temperature below 38˚.
• Harmful antibiotics and immunostimulants. Modern medicine provides a wide range of drugs that defeat viruses. These include antibiotics. But excessive enthusiasm for them can play a bad joke in increasing the child’s body’s resistance to disease. Do not give antibiotics to your child without a doctor's prescription, as they are harmful to the immune system. The same rules apply to immunostimulants, which temporarily replace the work of the immune system, and then only aggravate the problem.
• Vitamins. During periods of high incidence, you can help a small child avoid illness with the help of vitamins. Parents should pay attention to special vitamin complexes to increase immunity in children under one year old, such as: Aquadetrim, Polivit Baby, Kinder Biovital gel.

After 1 year, children’s own immunity begins to work in full force, and there are many more ways to strengthen it.

Komarovsky about immunity

How do you take care of your baby’s immunity? Do you have any additional tips and tricks?

Acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI) or a cold does not require special therapeutic measures. A person can experience it at any time of the year, and get sick 2-3 times within 12 months. Particular attention is paid to the treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding.

It is important for a woman to understand which medications can be taken and which medications are contraindicated during lactation, and whether the disease is transmitted through milk. The best solution in case of a cold in a nursing mother is a timely consultation with a doctor. Only a doctor can assess the patient’s condition, determine the nature of the disease, its causative agent and prescribe a safe drug.

Scientists have proven that 90% of respiratory system diseases are caused by viruses.

Once you have had ARVI, your body develops a strong immune system. The problem is that there are hundreds of thousands of viruses on the planet. There are 5 most famous categories - influenza, parainfluenza, rotavirus, rhinovirus and adenovirus. Each of them has more than 1 thousand varieties. Therefore, every time we get sick with a new acute respiratory viral disease. The symptoms of ARVI are known to everyone - weakness, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, swollen lymph nodes.

Is it possible or not to feed the baby?

When the mother showed the first symptoms, the question immediately arises: is it possible to breastfeed during ARVI, is the virus transmitted through breast milk? Infants under 6–8 months of age rarely get colds or other airborne illnesses. This is due to the fact that even in the womb they receive special antibodies from their mother. They continue to enter the baby's body during feeding. If a mother is sick, it is important to continue to breastfeed her son or daughter, because refusing breastfeeding deprives him of his natural protection.

ARVI is very contagious, but breastfeeding allows the baby to develop stable immunity. The incubation period of viruses is 2–3 days, i.e. the mother is already sick, but does not suspect it. Before the first signs appear, the baby will have been drinking milk for several days, which contains special proteins - immunoglobulins. They are produced by the mother's body as a reaction to pathogens.

ARVI in nursing mothers should completely go away within 6-10 days. If this does not happen, the doctor notes the development of complications.

During lactation, a woman’s body is weakened, and the immune system cannot fully perform its functions. Chronic foci of infection often appear. Only antibiotics can help the mother. The doctor will prescribe them. Never self-medicate!

How and with what to treat ARVI in a nursing mother

How to treat ARVI for young mothers while breastfeeding? This question is asked by every woman who feels unwell and has a sore throat. If a nursing mother gets sick, therapy should be as simple as possible. It is aimed at helping the body cope with the disease on its own. Basic recommendations when treating colds with breastfeeding include:

• Increased drinking regime. You need to drink a lot, this will alleviate the condition and also remove toxins from the body. The liquid should be close to body temperature, this will speed up absorption. Herbal tea, fruit juice, compote and just water are recommended.
• Balanced diet. You have to eat as you wish. You can't force yourself to eat. The menu should be dominated by vegetables and fruits; chicken broth is allowed.
• Fresh, cool indoor air. Oxygen promotes healing. The body will spend energy to warm the air to body temperature, the woman will sweat more, and the fever will decrease accordingly.

Medicines

Is it possible to take medications when sick while breastfeeding? Each case is individual. Antiviral drugs are contraindicated in most cases, homeopathy is ineffective, and some interferon-based drugs can be taken with caution only as prescribed by a doctor.

Antiviral

As already noted, homeopathic remedies such as Aflubin and Oscillococcinum are today considered to be ineffective drugs in the fight against viruses. In certain cases, they are still recommended by experts.

Antiviral drugs that are safe during lactation include: Viferon, Grippferon, Laferobion, etc.

Antipyretics

The temperature during ARVI can reach 40 °C degrees Celsius. Before the thermometer shows 38.5 °C, you should not take antipyretics, because the body is actively producing antibodies.

To bring down a high temperature, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen, as well as drugs based on them. But treatment should be symptomatic; if the fever does not return, you should not take the medicine.

For runny nose and cough

For a runny nose, mothers can use vasoconstrictor drops to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and make breathing easier. They have a local effect and are safe for the baby. The safest way to treat a cough due to ARVI is by inhalation, for example taking plant-based syrups and tablets.

Traditional medicine in the fight against acute respiratory viral infections in nursing mothers

Many mothers do not want to use pharmaceutical products, but a viral disease often makes them feel unwell. What to do in this case, how to relieve the symptoms? The answer is simple - to be treated with folk remedies. Decoctions based on calendula and chamomile are perfect for inhalation.

Inhalation procedures should not be carried out if a woman has an increase in body temperature.

The use of decoctions and herbal teas allows you to continue breastfeeding. The famous doctor Evgeniy Olegovich Komarovsky believes that modern medicine and pharmacology have made significant progress, and it is not difficult for a nursing mother to choose a medicine for a cold that will be completely safe for her and the baby, and will also allow her to continue lactation. However, only the attending physician can prescribe the drug, who will take into account the individual characteristics of each woman. He also always speaks positively about the use of traditional remedies, but warns that they must be used carefully.

To understand how to treat ARVI with traditional recipes, you need to study the following recommendations:

• Be sure to use herbal infusions. Sage, licorice, and St. John's wort thin mucus, soften the throat, and have an expectorant effect.
• Honey is a universal antibacterial agent. Before using it for treatment, make sure there are no allergic reactions to bee products. Boiled milk, butter, a pinch of soda and a teaspoon of honey are an effective remedy for dry cough and sore throat.
• Use essential oils for inhalation. It is especially useful to breathe steam with notes of eucalyptus and juniper.

Garlic has an excellent general strengthening effect. Raspberry jam can be used as an antipyretic. Viburnum tea helps with cough. Before choosing alternative medicine, consult your doctor.

Preventive measures

Often, women who have a cold are afraid that their baby will become infected if they breastfeed. In fact, the chance that the baby will get sick is extremely small; on the contrary, milk increases the body’s immune forces. However, strengthening preventive measures will not hurt. Necessarily:

• Wash your hands often. Viruses are transmitted not only by airborne droplets, but also by contact. Mucous discharge from the nose and mouth can end up on the mother's hands, and when she decides to feed the baby, she will transfer it to him.
• Carry out wet cleaning several times a day. The cooler and cleaner the air, the less dust it contains, the lower the risk of developing a disease of viral etiology.
• Do not stop breastfeeding, because the baby desperately needs immunoglobulins.
• Use a protective medical mask. A gauze bandage can reduce the concentration of viruses and bacteria in the air, because most settle on its surface.

It will not be possible to cure an acute respiratory viral disease in 3 days. We must prepare for the illness to last at least a week. At this time, it is important to involve relatives in caring for the baby. Help from loved ones will help relieve the burden on the mother. Lack of stress, good sleep, positive attitude - all this contributes to a speedy recovery.

From the moment of birth, the baby is faced with an environment that does not always have a positive effect on his body. In order for the child’s body not to be attacked by foreign bacteria and viruses, the baby needs a strong and reliable immune system.

The level of a baby's body's defenses depends on the type of nutrition it receives. Breastfed children have a slightly different immune system than babies receiving artificial milk formula.

Breastfeeding and immunity

If the baby feeds on mother's milk, then he does not need to receive additional drugs that stimulate immune defense. Receiving breast milk guarantees the formation of passive immunity, protecting the child from the effects of viral, fungal and bacterial agents.

After cessation of lactation, the newborn’s body will retain the immunity formed when receiving mother’s milk. Modern milk formulas are not able to provide the baby’s body with similar protection.

Breast milk contains antibodies, leukocytes and immune complexes. All these components are parts of the body's immune defense. Prebiotics are an important component of breast milk. These components create a favorable environment for the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

Thanks to this composition, mother's milk has a pronounced anti-infective activity.

Strong immunity is very important for a child of 1 year of age. This is due to the fact that within 12 months from the moment of birth, the baby is actively growing and developing. To ensure that this process is not interrupted by the development of an infectious disease, the child needs strong immunity.

If a young mother gets sick with the flu or ARVI, then the immune cells produced by her body enter the baby’s body through breast milk, forming the child’s protection against the virus. Thanks to this ability, women can continue breastfeeding without the risk of infecting their newborn.

Artificial feeding and immunity

If for some reason a young mother is not able to breastfeed her newborn, then this is not a death sentence. Modern milk formulas have an adapted composition that contains the required amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.

Most infant formulas contain biologically active components that contribute to the formation of strong immune defenses in the newborn's body. To stimulate the growth of positive intestinal microflora, infant formula includes probiotics and prebiotics. This is important, since 65-70% of all immunity is concentrated in the intestines.

Modern baby food also contains prebiotic fibers. When these substances enter a newborn’s body, they strengthen the barrier function of the intestinal walls and increase the child’s body’s resistance to infectious diseases.

If a young mother has the opportunity to breastfeed her newborn, then she is advised not to resort to the use of artificial milk formulas.

How to boost your newborn's immunity

It is recommended to resort to the use of additional methods of stimulating the immune system when the baby really needs it. A tendency to allergies and rare cases of acute respiratory viral infections are not a reason for outside intervention in a child’s body. For more information on how to properly care for a child during ARVI, read the article at the link

You can understand that a newborn baby has reduced immunity by the following signs:

• frequent whims, crying, drowsiness, increased fatigue;
• pale skin;
• cases of ARVI more often than once every 2 months;
• no increase in body temperature in the baby if there are signs of a cold;
• an increase in the size of the lymph nodes (axillary, inguinal, submandibular, cervical);
• tendency to develop allergic reactions;
• digestive disorders and signs of intestinal dysbiosis (diathesis, constipation, diarrhea, allergic dermatitis).

Important! Regardless of the type of nutrition, if one of the signs of reduced immunity appears, parents need to show the baby to a pediatrician. Independent use of immunostimulating drugs is strictly prohibited.

If the baby needs an additional increase in the body’s defenses, then parents are advised to use the following tips:

1. If a young mother is faced with a choice between breastfeeding and artificial feeding, then it is recommended to give preference to the first type. Children who receive breast milk get sick much less often.
2. Hardening is useful for a child in his first year of life. From the first days of a child’s life, it is recommended to provide air baths that help improve immunity. As the baby grows, it is recommended to include water hardening. The baby must be dressed according to the weather, avoiding hypothermia and overheating.
3. Parents need to carefully monitor the hygiene of their newborn. Clothes, toys, dishes and other household items must be kept clean.
4. When introducing complementary foods, it is recommended to be careful not to cause an allergic reaction to unfamiliar foods in the child.
5. If the baby gets sick with ARVI, then parents are not recommended to self-medicate. This issue should be entrusted to a medical specialist. The use of antipyretic drugs is indicated only when body temperature rises to 38 degrees. Indiscriminate use of antibiotics and immunostimulants can result in negative consequences for the newborn.
6. Parents are not recommended to refuse scheduled vaccinations. Vaccination can protect your baby from developing serious infectious diseases.

In order for the baby’s immunity to be strong and reliable, parents should take care of this from the first days of the child’s life.

Treatment of manifestations of a common cold does not pose a particular problem, unless we are talking about a woman during breastfeeding. The lactation process is universal and very complex in its formation mechanism. The difficulty of treating ARVI in nursing women lies in the need to select medications that do not negatively affect the child’s body.

The specifics of treatment of ARVI during lactation, the characteristics of the course of the disease, as well as methods of protecting the child from infection will be described in detail below.

How to protect a child

ARVI is a common condition that is characterized by the penetration of pathogens (adenoviruses) into the human body, resulting in swelling of the nasal mucosa, sore throat, weakness, fever and general malaise.

The penetration of a viral infection into the body of a nursing woman is a problem of particular importance, which is associated with a high risk of infection of the child through airborne droplets. There is no single panacea to protect the child in this case, but every nursing mother can use a number of measures to reduce the risk of infection. Such measures include:

1. Don't stop breastfeeding. This point is mandatory, since specific immunoglobulins enter the child’s body along with breast milk, which form immunity in the child’s body and act as a barrier to infection.
2. Frequent hand washing. The spread of viral infection occurs not only through airborne droplets, but also through contact. Particles of mucous discharge from the nose, one way or another, fall into the hands of a nursing woman through a handkerchief. It is these secretions that contain a large number of viral pathogens of ARVI. An important condition for preventing infection is mandatory hand washing before contact with a child.
3. Using a protective mask. The use of a protective gauze or cellulose bandage does not provide 100% protection against infection, but this method can help to significantly reduce the concentration of viruses in the surrounding air.
4. Important! With the development of ARVI in a nursing woman, the general condition may significantly worsen. There is an increase in body temperature, weakness and increased drowsiness. In this case, the woman needs to involve her loved ones and relatives in the process of caring for the baby in order to reduce the risk of infection.

How does the disease progress?

The increased load on the respiratory system of a nursing woman makes her highly vulnerable to all viral infections transmitted by airborne droplets. ARVI does not pose a particular danger to the body of a nursing woman, but significant harm can be caused to the child’s body.

The course of ARVI in lactating women is divided into 3 main periods, among which are:

1. The period during which the virus enters the body. From the moment the virus enters the body until the first symptoms appear, an average of 2-3 days pass. Further symptoms of the disease include fever, chills, sore throat and runny nose.
2. Period of immune response. The onset of this period is noted 72 hours after the appearance of characteristic symptoms of the disease. The immune response is characterized by increased production of interferons, which are responsible for eliminating viruses.
3. Period of complete recovery. The timing of recovery is individual for each person. On average, this takes 7-10 days from the onset of symptoms. In the absence of improvement in well-being, we can safely talk about the development of complications of a viral infection.

How to treat

Treatment tactics for ARVI in women during breastfeeding are selected by the attending physician on an individual basis. An absolute reason to seek medical advice is a persistent increase in body temperature lasting more than 3 days, as well as a deterioration in general health.

To achieve a speedy recovery, a nursing woman is advised to adhere to the following tips:

• Maintaining bed rest. Constant rest is a prerequisite for successful treatment of ARVI, regardless of the severity of the disease. Failure to comply with bed rest aggravates the general condition and significantly prolongs the period of illness.
• Drinking regime. The intake of fluid stimulates the process of natural cleansing of the body from viral waste products. Compliance with the drinking regime helps reduce body temperature and improve general condition. It is best to drink warm tea, fruit compote and berry juice containing a large amount of vitamin C.
• Proper diet. Eating food during illness should not be forced. It is better to eat when the body itself wants it. In the first days of the disease, it is recommended to eat light foods, such as chicken broth.

Drug therapy

Compliance with the regimen and other mentioned rules can significantly affect the speed of recovery, however, in order to cure ARVI, it is necessary to resort to taking medications.

Antiviral drugs

The variety of antiviral drugs that are available on pharmacy shelves can present a person with a difficult choice. During breastfeeding, it is strictly forbidden to use such drugs as Remantadine, Arbidol and Ribovirin.

The use of drugs such as Anaferon and Aflubin does not give the desired result, since these drugs are homeopathic and have increased allergic activity.

The best option for the treatment of ARVI in lactating women are drugs based on recombinant human interferon alpha. This group of substances includes the drugs Viferon and Grippferon. The dosage and frequency of taking these medications is determined by the attending physician.

Treatment of a runny nose

To relieve swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and normalize nasal breathing, special drops and sprays are used that contain a vasoconstrictor component. The use of such drops is harmless to the child. Among the most common means of such action are:

• Sanorin, Naphthyzin. The active ingredient is Naphazoline, which has a short period of action.
• Otrivin, Galazolin, Ximilin. The active ingredient is xylometazoline, which has an average duration of anti-edema action.
• Nazol, Noxprey. The active ingredient is oxymetazoline. This substance has a long active period and retains it for 10-12 hours.

Read more about how to cure a runny nose for a nursing mother here.

Antipyretics

The use of antipyretic drugs is advisable when body temperature rises above 38 degrees. Lower temperatures are an adequate response of the body to the virus and do not require medical intervention.

The use of these products is safe only if taken in their pure form. Combined-action drugs (Flukold, TeraFlu) contain additional components, the effect of which on the child’s body is unpredictable.

The use of antipyretics is permissible only in the indicated dosage.

For sore throat

To treat signs of inflammation of the oropharynx, it is recommended to use topical agents. For a nursing woman, the safest option is rinse solutions containing antiseptic ingredients. Solutions of Chlorhexidine, Hexoral and Iodinol have a pronounced effect.

At home, you can prepare your own rinse solution. To do this, you need to dissolve 1 tsp in 250 ml of warm boiled water. sea ​​and table salt and add 2-3 drops of iodine. It is recommended to gargle with the resulting solution 3-4 times a day.

Resorption of special lozenges (Sebedin, Strepsils) helps relieve pain. Another safe method for treating a sore throat is irrigating the oropharynx with antiseptic sprays, such as Chlorophyllipt, Cameton and Camphomen.

Before starting to use any of the groups of drugs, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Self-medication leads to the development of unpredictable complications for the mother and child.

The common cold is not as dangerous as acute respiratory infections. In order not to harm the body of a young mother and her child, you need to know how to treat ARVI while breastfeeding.

Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding must be correct so as not to harm the mother and child

Every year, or even several times a year, almost all of us fall ill with respiratory diseases. The nose runs, coughing, sneezing occurs. But there is a misconception that colds and acute respiratory viral infections are one and the same disease. An incorrect comparison entails an inadequate approach to treating the disease with the ensuing complications. This is especially true for risk groups, which include young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. ARVI in a nursing mother also requires special attention, since the condition of the newborn baby depends on this. Therefore, it makes sense to find out the differences between various conditions, their nature of occurrence and the main symptoms, and at the same time, remember what is possible for a nursing mother with ARVI.

Causes of ARVI and colds

ARVI is a number of respiratory diseases, which include influenza. Infection occurs through airborne droplets, and those who have not been immunized or have weak immunity are especially susceptible. The body's defenses, in turn, weaken due to many factors, which include chronic diseases, previous surgeries, bad habits, poor diet, etc. The most optimal air temperature for the spread of infection is from -5 to 5 degrees. It is in such an atmosphere that viruses quickly multiply and penetrate the nursing mucosa, to eliminate which requires adequate treatment of ARVI during lactation.

Colds manifest themselves due to hypothermia and low immunity. But at the same time, pathogenic microorganisms do not penetrate the body, but internal ones are activated, which are necessarily present in the body of every person. There is a cough, sore throat, etc. The disease does not pose a threat of powerful intoxication, the culprit of which is the acquired virus. As a treatment, you can use folk remedies, a course of multivitamins.

Pathogenesis of ARVI

After pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the mucous membrane through the respiratory tract, in rare cases through the conjunctiva, the viruses settle firmly in the larynx, nose, etc. They penetrate deep into the epithelium, then into the bloodstream and gain access to the internal organs. The main symptoms appear:

• myalgia - aches in muscles, joints;
• fever;
• sore throat.

A respiratory infection is often not detected immediately, since the viruses multiply first; after 2-3 days, a person develops the following symptoms:

• heat;
• sore throat;
• runny nose, sneezing;
• headache;
• dry, painful cough.

Decay products from parts of healthy cells and viruses, entering the blood, cause additional unpleasant symptoms:

• nausea;
• vomiting

In rare cases, pathogenic microorganisms penetrate the intestinal cavity, causing severe inflammation. The patient is accompanied by diarrhea, stomach cramps, and complete loss of appetite.

The body of a nursing mother is subject to stress even without illness

ARVI in a nursing woman

A young mother who is breastfeeding is already subject to stress, including the respiratory system. When producing milk, the body introduces specific enzymes into it that protect the baby from diseases and promote its development. A woman is very susceptible to infection, but with adequate treatment, the disease does not pose a particular danger. But for a baby who receives everything vital from the mother’s body, breastfeeding during ARVI without following the recommendations can cause serious harm.

In a young mother, the disease occurs in three stages:

1. The virus enters the body. The first signs appear after 2-3 days: fever, high temperature, sore throat, lacrimation, runny nose.
2. Approximately 2-3 days after the first signs of the disease, the immune system produces a response - interferon, which destroys bacterial colonies.
3. After 7-10 days, the recovery period begins. The sense of smell returns, a surge of energy is felt, pain goes away, and the temperature returns to normal. If there are no such symptoms, complications have arisen in the body due to a viral infection.

Important: as for babies, they have not yet developed immunity. Children under 6 months receive valuable components that strengthen protective mechanisms through mother's milk, which cannot be said about bottle-fed babies. Therefore, it is important not to wean the baby from the mother’s breast for as long as possible.

Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding

Treatment for a nursing mother should be individualized. But there is an ironclad rule: at the first signs of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor. So, how to treat ARVI for a nursing mother at home, what measures to take:

1. Drink at least 2 liters of warm drink - milk, water, herbal teas, fruit drinks, juices. When intoxicated and attacked by viruses, the body loses a large amount of fluid, so it is important to normalize the water balance. Fever, high temperature causes dryness of the mucous membranes; due to the consumption of fluid, the respiratory tract is moistened and the mucus is thinned. Toxins are eliminated from the body in various ways, including through sweat.
2. Treatment of influenza and ARVI during breastfeeding involves rest and bed rest. Do not neglect the recommendations of doctors; you should limit your activity. During an acute respiratory infection, the human body loses strength, and in order to continue the fight against viruses, it must be accumulated. Peace, silence, and being in a warm bed will save and accumulate energy.
3. At high temperatures, intoxication, loss of appetite occurs. You cannot force a patient to eat, especially since a sore throat interferes with swallowing, and the sense of smell and taste are lost. Food is replaced by warm drinks of compotes, fruit drinks, juices, which contain no less useful substances. Warm chicken broth, which contains components valuable for recovery, is suitable as a complete nutrition. Liquid porridges and purees will not be superfluous.
4. Clean room. The room in which the sick person is located must be periodically ventilated and moistened. In dry, stagnant air, viruses thrive and multiply, and the infected person again inhales pathogenic microorganisms.

A nursing mother needs to drink at least 2 liters of warm liquid per day

Treatment of a nursing mother with ARVI

The above measures are provided as part of complex therapy. When treating ARVI with hepatitis B, antiviral drugs are indicated. The prescription of medicines provides a list that contains only those items that will not harm the health of the mother and her baby.

Important: it is a big mistake to use antibiotics to treat a viral infection. The components of such products are not able to influence the aggressive and powerful forces of pathogenic microorganisms. Antibiotics for nursing mothers with ARVI are prescribed by the attending physician individually to eliminate complications - pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheitis, etc.

An important point is to protect the child’s body from viral attacks. If the baby's mother falls ill with ARVI, a number of precautions must be taken:

• Is it possible to breastfeed during ARVI - yes, this is a mandatory task; the beneficial components of milk will help keep the baby’s immunity at the proper level.
• Wash your hands constantly, as the infection spreads not only through the air, but also through dirty hands and face. During ARVI, everyone uses handkerchiefs, which they touch with their hands in any case.
• Wear a cotton-gauze bandage or mask to eliminate the risk of infection of the baby when breathing, coughing, or sneezing. Wear the item not only when in contact with the baby, but also at other times, thus the concentration of viruses in the air will be minimized.

Important: if a woman’s condition deteriorates significantly, a feeling of heaviness, weakness, high temperature, fever, it is difficult to care for the child. In such cases, the help of loved ones is important, who must take care of the baby.

Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding: drugs

Compliance with doctors' recommendations is just part of the therapy, which strengthens the body and improves immunity. In addition, it is necessary to consume medications for ARVI during breastfeeding of a certain type, aimed at eliminating symptoms and destroying viruses.

Treatment of ARVI in a nursing mother should be prescribed by a qualified doctor

ARVI in a nursing mother: treatment with antiviral drugs

There are a lot of drugs on the shelves of pharmacies, in the variety of which it is easy to get lost and confused. A young mother should be especially picky; treatment of acute respiratory viral infections when feeding a child requires certain types of drugs; the wrong selection can harm the child.

Prohibited drugs include Remantadine, Ribovirin, Arbidol. Homeopathic medicines such as Aflubin and Anaferon are not highly effective and can cause allergic reactions in the body. Among the best drugs are those that contain recombinant human interferon alpha. Treatment of ARVI during breastfeeding with the indicated names is prescribed only by the attending physician, since the schedule and doses provide for an individual approach.

Treatment of ARVI during lactation: fighting a runny nose

When intoxicated, swelling of the mucous membrane occurs, which causes a runny nose, sore throat, and difficulty breathing. To clear the airways, vasoconstrictor drugs are prescribed - sprays, drops.

There are a lot of names that can be safely used by both nursing mothers and small children:

• based on Naphazoline: Naphthyzin, Sanorin - short period of action;
• based on xylometazoline: Ximilan, Otrivin - medium-term period of action.
• based on oxymetazoline: Noxprey, Nazol, effective for 12 hours.

How to treat ARVI in a nursing mother: lowering the temperature

Any respiratory disease causes an increase in temperature. If the mark does not rise, it means that the immune forces are so weak that they are unable to fight viruses. There is no point in reducing the indicators to 38.5. Thus, the body attacks pathogenic microorganisms with its immunity and concentrates its forces on fighting the symptoms. In cases where the readings are above 38.5, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs. For a nursing mother, medications are prescribed to reduce the temperature: ibuprofen, paracetamol. But the medicines must be in their pure form. Diluted, that is, a combination of antipyretics with other components: Theraflu, Flukold can cause an allergic reaction and dangerous side effects in the body of an infant.

How to treat ARVI during lactation: relieving sore throat

To minimize the risk of taking heavy drugs for an infant’s body, it is better to use local means. The safest medications for ARVI during lactation are liquids containing antiseptic components: Iodinol, Lugol, Hexoral.

Hexoral is considered a safe and at the same time effective drug for the treatment of ARVI during lactation

Rinsing at home produces an excellent effect. Add 3 drops of iodine into a glass of almost hot water, add 1 teaspoon of salt and baking soda. Rinse 5 times a day.

To get rid of a sore throat, use lollipops that contain antiseptic and analgesic components: Strepsils, Falimint, in the form of sprays: Kameton, Chlorophyllipt.

Important: before starting treatment for ARVI while breastfeeding, you must clearly understand: take any drug only as prescribed by a doctor, having previously agreed on the dose and schedule.

Prevention of ARVI in a nursing mother

Despite the fact that a young mother does not have a lot of free time, she still needs to take care of preventive measures. You should follow the basic rules included in the complex for the prevention of ARVI during breastfeeding, which strengthen the immune system and minimize the chances of infection with acute respiratory diseases.

1. No one forbids nursing mothers from leading a healthy lifestyle and playing sports. You can choose half an hour, an hour a day to do jogging, swimming, yoga, or gymnastics.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. Not only does water have a direct relationship with the formation of milk in the glands, it also strengthens the body by cleansing it. With liquid, be it juice, fruit drink, compote, herbal tea, toxins and toxins are removed, metabolism and metabolic processes are improved. Scientists have long established that the immune system is formed in the gastrointestinal tract, and the fluid regulates the optimal microflora, which means that the defenses will be in perfect order.
3. Fresh air. Nature itself prescribes for a young woman to walk with a stroller in the open air, which is beneficial for both her and her baby. Firstly, this movement, activity, which already has a beneficial effect on the mother’s body, strengthens her tone. Secondly, light walks bring positivity, invigorate, and give energy.
4. Healthy eating. Yes, when breastfeeding you have to choose foods so that the baby does not have colic, allergies, or diathesis. But you shouldn’t give up steamed vegetables, healthy purees and cereals.
5. Prevention of influenza and ARVI during breastfeeding involves hardening. You need to start strengthening your immune system in warm seasons, preferably in summer. Start hardening with a contrast shower, then douse yourself with cold water every morning. Increased energy, vigor, increased tone, increased blood circulation.
6. To refuse from bad habits. Everyone understands perfectly well that a smoking, drinking mother has no right to breastfeed her baby. But there are still cases when a woman does not behave quite correctly. Nicotine and alcohol directly impair the functioning of internal organs, the liver, kidneys, and lungs, which are directly involved in cleansing and hematopoiesis, suffer. Toxins enter the mother's milk and then into the baby's body.

A nursing mother needs to take special care of her health and that of her baby.

It is important to protect and care for a young mother, not to mention her baby. After childbirth, a woman undergoes hormonal changes, she is tormented by depression, confusion, and fear, especially if she is a first-time mother. Relatives should monitor her psychological state, help in everything, and surround her with love. The slightest trouble or breakdown can cause loss of milk, stress, and the mother’s condition immediately affects the health of her child.

The topic of breastfeeding has been raised many times on our blog. Once again I want to touch on this topic. The issue is really important because breast milk is the best nutrition for a baby. This has already been proven by many studies by scientists from different countries.
I have already talked about, both for mother and child. Therefore, now I want to tell you about the importance of breastfeeding for health, in particular for the baby’s immunity.
There are several types of immunity – natural and artificial immunity. Artificial immunity is achieved by artificial means - vaccines or serums, and we will now talk in more detail about natural immunity.
Natural immunity is immunity to a particular disease received by the child’s body from the mother (placental or congenital) or acquired as a result of a previous disease (post-infectious). Natural immunity lasts for a long time.
It is worth introducing several medical concepts:

Antigens – these are organic substances that are genetically foreign to the body (proteins, nucleoproteins, polysaccharides, etc.). to which the body responds with the formation of antibodies or another form of immune response.
Antibodies (immunoglobulins, IG, Ig) are soluble glycoproteins present in blood serum, tissue fluid or on the cell membrane that recognize and bind antigens. Immunoglobulins are synthesized by B lymphocytes (plasma cells) in response to foreign substances of a certain structure - antigens. Antibodies are used by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign objects - such as bacteria and viruses. (wikipedia)

The secretion of the mammary gland contains immunoglobulins and associated antibodies to various antigens. For a long time, this function of colostrum and breast milk was not given significant importance, since it was found that breastfeeding does not affect the level of antibodies circulating in the blood of the newborn.
The discovery of secretory immunoglobulins forced us to reconsider the existing point of view on the immunological function of mother's milk. Numerous immunological and immunochemical studies have proven that in the external secretions that wash the surfaces of the mucous membranes of the digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts, the predominant immunoglobulin is the dimeric form (SIgA). The highest concentration of secretory immunoglobulin IgA is found in women's colostrum - 16 mg/ml. Starting from the 2-3rd day of lactation, the level of immunoglobulins steadily decreases. From the 6th day it stabilizes, and over the next 8-9 months of lactation the milk contains 1 mg/ml of immunoglobulins. In the first days of natural feeding, up to 1,000 mg of this immunoglobulin enters the child’s intestines during the day. Further, although its concentration in the secretion of the mammary gland clearly decreases, it remains practically unchanged in the intestine. This is explained by an increase in the frequency of feeding with breast milk and an increase in the volume of its secretion by the mammary gland. When breastfeeding 5-6 times a day, the intestinal mucosa of children in the first months is covered with a layer of immunoglobulins, and most of our immunity, as is known, “lives” in the intestines. In addition to it, human milk contains immunoglobulins of classes G, M and D, although their concentration is much lower than the concentration of SIgA.
The secretion of the female mammary gland contains antibodies to various antigens: enterobacteria, streptococci and staphylococci, as well as enteroviruses, rotaviruses that primarily multiply in the intestines, influenza virus and other microorganisms.
Antibodies in milk and colostrum combine with the mucin layer covering the epithelium, thereby protecting it from foreign antigens.