Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu
Information for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
Pregnant women
Pregnant women are thought to be at greater risk of complications from the new Influenza A (H1N1) than many other people. If you are pregnant and have influenza symptoms, you should consult your doctor before taking any antiviral medicine. Your doctor will assess the risks and benefits of this medicine with you, and may need to seek advice from an infectious diseases specialist.
Breastfeeding mothers
Any influenza can be very serious in young babies. However, babies who are breastfed do not get as sick, and are sick less often, than babies who are not breastfed.
Don’t stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Breastfeeding protects babies because breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby. Antibodies help fight off infection. Limit formula feeds if you can. If you are too sick to breastfeed, express milk and have someone give it to your baby.
Be careful not to cough or sneeze around your baby. You may want to wear a face mask, as long as you take the necessary precautions outlined in the World Health Organization’s advice on the use of masks in the community setting in Influenza (H1N1) outbreaks (www.who.int) to keep from spreading the virus to your baby.
You are able to keep breastfeeding while you take medicines such as Tamiflu to treat the new influenza A (H1N1) virus.
