Breastfed Infants & Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, - also known in some countries as stomach flu - commonly known in Australia as “gastro”, is a common illness caused by viruses like norovirus and rotavirus. Most of us have experienced the unpleasant symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. In adults and older children, this usually presents as a day or two of feeling ill and not moving very far from the bathroom. But for infants and young children, these symptoms can quickly lead to dehydration and are among the most common reasons for hospital admissions.
Globally, breastfeeding is recognised for reducing infant deaths from diarrheal diseases. This is just one factor behind the World Health Organization recommendations of six months exclusive breastfeeding and two years or more continued breastfeeding alongside family foods.
Breastfeeding has a protective role against viral infections. When a mother and/or her child are exposed to viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, the mother’s immune system goes to work. Research suggests the infant saliva is the connection between the baby’s system and the mother’s. Even if the mother is not infected, her immune system will respond as if she is, producing antibodies to the virus. These are then transferred to the baby via the breastmilk, supporting the immature immune system.
It is important for babies experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis to continue breastfeeding. Breastmilk will reduce the risk of dehydration as well as nourishing the baby and bathing the digestive system in this antibody rich breastmilk. Breastfed babies and toddlers do not always need additional water or hydration products.
Babies under six months should always be seen by a doctor if they show signs of gastroenteritis
Learn more about the management of gastroenteritis in babies and young children here
Mothers who are infected can continue to breastfeed their babies - in fact, it is important they are supported to do so due to the protective role of their breastmilk. Keeping the mother hydrated will support her milk supply. However, if she feels too unwell to directly breastfeed her baby, support to express her breastmilk by hand expressing or with a breast pump will be necessary to protect the milk supply and reduce the risk of developing mastitis. Many mothers will choose to breastfeed instead of expressing, with support to put the infant to the breast while they lie down.
In severe cases where mother or baby need medical management in hospital, they should be kept together. While older babies or toddlers might tolerate short periods of separation while the mother rests, they should continue to breastfeed to support lactation and reduce the risk of mastitis. Infants who are exclusively breastfeeding should not be separated. Young babies might be permitted to stay with their mother in hospital as “boarder babies” but staff will expect family to support the mother in infant care. Hospitalised breastfed babies usually have better accommodation of their mothers on the ward - this might even extend to meal provision.
