Fighting Flu Season With A Newborn

It seems that every other person who comes through our doors at the moment has a holiday cold or flu story. So many Christmases and New Years were ruined by snot, coughs, fevers, vomit and aches. Some of ours were too! Argh! It’s proving a rough winter…. and sadly it’s not over yet! With the kids now back in school, we all just seem to be waiting for round 2 to strike….(*crosses every finger and toe*)

Getting sick is no fun for anyone, but let’s be honest, as a parent of a little one, you’d face 20 flus back to back if it meant that your babies could escape it. Especially if they are in their early months. Small tiny bundles with their shiny new immune systems + a flu ridden season = high anxiety!

While it’s impossible to shield them from all germs, (it’s inevitable they will get a cold at some point!) there are still plenty of things you can do to try and keep trips to your doctor to a minimum this winter.

• THE FIRST TWO MONTHS: If you can avoid crowded places during this time, then do! Not always easy if you have more than one kid and need to pick up, drop off, run errands etc. But the truth is, pre the first round of immunizations at two months, it’s better to be cautious and limit mass public exposure. If someone else offers to help you with your schedule, LET THEM! If you do venture out, try wearing the baby, as people are less inclined to coo closely when baby is attached to you.
• JUST SAY NO – Everyone wants to come and meet the new baby in the early adorable weeks, and are working to their own busy schedules. BUT, don’t hold back in telling family and friends to wait. Especially if they have had anyone in their house struck with any bugs. Even if they promise just to pop in and have no cuddles….just say no!
• KEEP ON NURSING – If you are choosing to breastfeed and are able, studies show that breastfeeding can help keep some winter bugs at bay. Even if you are sick yourself, keep nursing! Thank you magical milk antibodies – that extra line of defense can really make a difference!
• SUDS AND SANITIZER- Plant hand wash, anti-bacterial wipes and sanitizer all over the house for you and guests to use – and keep extra in your car and purse should you need it on the go to clear up a sneaky sneeze, or wipe down a shopping cart, etc.
• LOOK AFTER YOU – that ol’ chestnut or new motherhood myth! But in this case, it’s really true. Prioritize your own health, rest, and keep boosting your own immune system to try and fend off those unwelcome germs. If you do get struck with a bug (hugs from us), ADMIT DEFEAT! Don’t try to be a super hero and keep doing it all. Step back, accept help if offered – if possible pump your milk and have someone else take over the feeds – consider wearing a face mask, and avoid sharing any beds, pillows, blankets etc. until you have been symptom free for at least 5 days.Wishing we could wave a magic wand and get rid of all the yuck that is flying around, but the best we can do is wish you luck and send you all our positive vibes and energy for a happy, healthy 2018! Take care out there, guys!