Discovering you have shingles after giving birth can be stressful. But, the good news is that safe breastfeeding is possible. You just need to take the right precautions and get medical advice.
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It’s a worry for new mothers. But, the virus can’t pass through breast milk to your baby. The main worry is touching the rash and spreading the virus.
At Liv Hospital, we make sure mothers get the right info and support. We help them keep breastfeeding while dealing with shingles.
Key Takeaways
- Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- The virus cannot be transmitted to the infant through breast milk.
- Direct contact with the rash can transmit the virus.
- Proper precautions and medical guidance are necessary for safe breastfeeding.
- Liv Hospital provides extensive support for mothers with shingles.
Understanding Postpartum Shingles
After having a baby, some women might get shingles. This is a painful condition caused by a virus that was sleeping in their body. Shingles, or herpes zoster, comes from the varicella zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox.
Shingles is more common in older people, but it can happen to anyone who had chickenpox. This includes new moms. It shows up as a painful rash on one side of the body.
What Causes Shingles After Pregnancy
The varicella zoster virus stays hidden in nerve cells after you get over chickenpox. Sometimes, it comes back years later, causing shingles. We don’t know all the reasons why it comes back, but stress, getting older, and a weak immune system might help.
Pregnancy changes the immune system a lot. This can make it harder to keep the varicella zoster virus under control. Even though pregnancy itself doesn’t cause shingles, the time after having a baby might make it more likely.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The main sign of shingles is a painful rash on one side of the body. The rash starts as red bumps, turns into blisters, and then crusts over. You might also feel fever, headache, and tiredness.
Doctors usually figure out if you have shingles by looking at the rash and your health history. Sometimes, they might do a lab test to make sure.
Risk Factors for New Mothers
New moms who had chickenpox before are more likely to get shingles. Other risks include a weak immune system and getting older. Stress, which is common after having a baby, might also increase the risk.
Knowing these risks helps new moms and their doctors watch for shingles. This way, they can catch it early and treat it.
Breastfeeding Safety With Shingles
Breastfeeding with shingles needs careful thought and knowledge of risks to the baby. Shingles itself isn’t passed through breast milk. But, the varicella-zoster virus can spread through touching the rash.
Can Shingles Be Transmitted Through Breast Milk?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says shingles can’t be passed through breast milk. But, if the rash is on or near the breast, there’s a chance of passing the virus to the baby through direct contact.
When to Temporarily Pause Direct Breastfeeding
If you have shingles on or near your breast, pause direct breastfeeding from that breast until the rash crusts over. This step helps avoid passing the virus to your baby.
Keep expressing milk from the affected breast to keep your supply up and avoid engorgement. Throw away the expressed milk until the rash heals.
Protecting Your Baby from Exposure
To keep your baby safe, cover the shingles rash with clothes or a bandage. Also, keep good hygiene by washing your hands often, before touching your baby or expressing milk.
The table below shows important steps for breastfeeding mothers with shingles:
| Precaution | Description |
| Cover the Rash | Use clothing or bandages to cover the shingles rash. |
| Express and Discard Milk | Express milk from the affected breast and discard it until lesions heal. |
| Maintain Hygiene | Wash hands frequently, specially before handling the baby or expressing milk. |
By taking these precautions, you can lower the risks of breastfeeding with shingles. This ensures your baby stays healthy and safe.
Practical Guidelines for Nursing Mothers
When shingles happen after having a baby, breastfeeding moms need help. It’s tough to manage shingles while nursing, but there are steps to keep babies safe.
Managing Shingles Lesions on or Near the Breast
Shingles on or near the breast need extra care to keep the baby safe. Expressing milk and throwing it away until the lesions heal is a good idea. This way, the mom can keep nursing and protect the baby.
Safe Medication Options While Breastfeeding
For moms with shingles, acyclovir is a safe choice for nursing. It can make shingles less severe and shorter. But, always talk to a doctor before starting any medicine.
Proper Hygiene and Pumping Techniques
Keeping clean is key when nursing with shingles. Moms should wash their hands often and cover any sores. Using a dedicated breast pump and keeping it clean is also important.
By following these tips, moms with shingles can keep nursing. They can also protect their babies from getting sick.
Conclusion
New mothers with shingles can safely breastfeed their babies if they follow proper precautions. We have discussed the risks associated with shingles and breastfeeding. These include the chance of passing the virus to newborns.
When considering whether someone with shingles can be around a newborn, it’s important to take precautions. This helps minimize exposure. Pregnant women exposed to shingles should also be aware of the risks. They need to take steps to protect themselves and their unborn babies.
For a mother with shingles, safely breastfeeding involves managing shingles lesions on or near the breast. She should use safe medication options and maintain proper hygiene and pumping techniques. By following these guidelines, mothers can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their babies.
We reassure new mothers that with the right precautions, they can safely breastfeed their babies even if they have shingles. It’s also essential for pregnant women to understand the risks associated with shingles. They should take steps to minimize exposure, if someone with shingles is around them.
FAQ
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have shingles?
Yes, you can breastfeed even with shingles. Just make sure to avoid touching your baby with the rash.
Can shingles be transmitted through breast milk?
No, shingles can’t spread through breast milk. But touching the rash can pass the virus to others.
How can I protect my baby from getting shingles if I’m breastfeeding?
Keep the rash covered and wash your hands often. Don’t let your baby touch the rash. You can keep pumping milk from the affected breast.
Can I pump breast milk if I have shingles on my breast?
Yes, you can pump milk with shingles. But throw away any milk that touches the rash. Keep everything clean when pumping.
Are antiviral medications safe to take while breastfeeding with shingles?
Some antiviral meds are okay while breastfeeding. But always check with your doctor first.
Can a newborn be around someone with shingles?
Newborns should stay away from people with shingles. Direct contact with the rash can spread the virus.
Is shingles dangerous while pregnant?
Shingles can be risky during pregnancy, if you’re not immune to chickenpox. The risk is higher if you get chickenpox while pregnant.
Can someone with shingles be around a pregnant woman?
If you’re pregnant and not immune to chickenpox, stay away from people with shingles. This lowers the risk of getting the virus.
Can pregnant women be around shingles?
If you’re pregnant and immune to chickenpox, being around someone with shingles is usually safe. But if you’re not immune, avoid them.
Herpes zoster (shingles). In MotherToBaby | Fact Sheets (Bookshelf ID NBK582747). National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582747/NCBI
