Pregnancy and breast feeding 

We do know that pregnant women are more likely to get sick than others and have more serious problems with seasonal flu.

	What can I do to protect myself, my baby and my family?
	Take these everyday steps to help prevent the spread of germs and protect your health. Click here  Have a plan to care for sick family members. Stock up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol®, non-perishable foods.
	How should I feed my baby?
	Flu can be very serious in young babies. Babies who are breastfed do not get as sick and are sick less often from the flu, than do babies who are not breastfed. Breastfeeding protects babies. Breast milk passes on antibodies from the mother to a baby. Antibodies help fight off infection.
	Is it ok to breastfeed my baby if I am sick?
	A mother’s milk is made to fight diseases in her baby. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still growing. Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Breastfeed early and often. Limit formula feeds if you can. This will help protect your baby from infection. Be careful not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face, wash your hands often with soap and water. Your doctor might ask you to wear a mask to keep from spreading this new virus to your baby. If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.
	Is it okay to take medicine to treat or prevent novel H1N1 flu while breastfeeding?
	Yes. Mothers who are breastfeeding should continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.
	What can I do to protect my baby?
	Take everyday precautions. In addition, take extra care to wash your hands often with soap and not to cough or sneeze in the baby’s face while feeding your baby, or any other time you and your baby are close. If you are ill, or coughing and sneezing, consider wearing a mask.