Chickenpox While Breastfeeding – Treatment and Precautionary Tips

As a mother, your chief concern is rightfully the perfect health of your baby. But what happens when you contract a disease like chickenpox that is frightfully common among not just moms but everyone? Chickenpox and breastfeeding can be a challenging combination for new mothers to manage. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and while it mostly happens during childhood, it can be seen in adults, and especially concerns breastfeeding women, as it is contagious. The illness is often mild but requires careful management to protect the mother and the infant. This article will share simple treatment tips and precautions for moms who are breastfeeding and have chickenpox to help keep both mom and baby healthy.

What Are the Common Signs of Chickenpox in a Breastfeeding Mother?

There are some signs that can indicate that a new mom has contracted the disease (2).

1. Rash

This is a very common symptom. Rashes appear as small pigmentations and grow in size, to blister and then develop into a scab.

2. Body Ache

Your whole body, including the head, will begin aching a few days before the rashes appear.

3. Fever

You will develop low fever over time, signifying that it is time for a medical opinion.

4. A General Feeling of Illness

Lack of energy, tiredness and an overall feeling of coming down with a viral illness will indicate the disease.

How to Diagnose Chickenpox?

Chickenpox usually does not need to be diagnosed with special tests. Doctors most often take a look at the rashes and declare whether you have chickenpox or not. In some cases, depending on the severity of the case and its special nature (if a woman is pregnant) the doctor may recommend a blood test for the virus (3).

How to Treat Chickenpox While Nursing?

The best way to treat chickenpox while breastfeeding is, of course, to follow the instructions of your physician. Also, a dependable source of relief for itchy rashes can be found in calamine lotion, which you can safely apply on your body (6).

Over-the-counter relief medicines may work for most kids and adults, but it is best to stick to the remedies suggested by your doctor, considering that your breast milk is providing nutrition to a child at this time too.

Most doctors will also prescribe antihistamines that will reduce the effects of itching rashes. While they may fall short of the needs, it is best to stick to them while nursing (5).

About Chickenpox Vaccine While Breastfeeding

Studies have found that when a new mother is vaccinated post-partum, there is neither evidence of varicella virus in a new mother’s breast milk nor is there a transmission of the virus to infants in such a case. On the whole, doctors encourage physicians to identify women vulnerable to the virus during pregnancy and ensure they are vaccinated after giving birth. It is, therefore, completely safe to go for vaccination while nursing (7).

Do You Have to Stop Breastfeeding When You Have Chickenpox?

Contrary to popular assumption, women who have chickenpox do not have chickenpox virus in their breast milk. In fact, breast milk has the necessary antibodies that can protect a baby from contracting chickenpox (1).

While it is not possible to transfer the varicella vaccine during breastfeeding, the contagious nature of the disease makes it imperative for you to visit a doctor when you come down with the pox because your baby could have been exposed to it too.

Doctors overwhelmingly say that mothers who have fallen ill with chickenpox can safely breastfeed their child as they did during healthier times. However, it is necessary to cover any rashes or vesicles on the breast caused by the disease, to minimise any risk of transmitting it (4).

However, medical attention must be paid, should the symptoms of the disease appear in a very new mother, fewer than two days after the delivery of the baby.

Self-Care Tips to Follow While Breastfeeding With Chickenpox

The constant itching from the rashes can prove to be an exhausting distraction. In addition to prescribed medicines, you can try to alleviate any discomfort by using one of the following home remedies (5) (8).

• Take frequent baths with finely ground oatmeal. They help reduce the frequency of itches.
• Mix warm water with baking soda, dip a piece of cloth into it and dab on severely blistering rashes so that they dry quickly.
• Take plenty of rest and do not exert yourself to make sure you recover fast.

FAQs

1. Can my breast milk help protect my baby from chickenpox?

Yes, breast milk provides antibodies that can help strengthen your baby’s immune system. While it may not fully prevent chickenpox, it can help your baby fight off the infection more effectively if they catch the virus, potentially leading to milder symptoms.

2. Is it safe to use home remedies for chickenpox symptoms while breastfeeding?

Home remedies like cool compresses and calamine lotion are generally safe for soothing chickenpox symptoms while breastfeeding. However, make sure not to apply lotions or creams directly to the breast area, especially if the baby is feeding, as they could be ingested. Always check with a doctor before using any herbal remedies.

3. Can chickenpox affect my milk supply?

Chickenpox itself usually doesn’t directly affect the milk supply. However, if you’re feeling unwell or experiencing discomfort, it could reduce your energy levels and impact breastfeeding frequency, which might temporarily affect your milk production. Make sure to rest, stay hydrated, and continue nursing or pumping regularly to maintain your milk supply.

Breastfeeding and chicken pox are not causes for extreme concern, nor do they require a big shift in the mother and child’s daily breastfeeding routine. With the right treatment, a nursing mother can look forward to breastfeeding her child even when she is down with the disease.

References/Resources:

1. Chickenpox and Breastfeeding; The Breastfeeding Network; https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/chickenpox/

2. Chickenpox Symptoms and Complications; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/symptoms.html

3. Laboratory Testing for Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/php/laboratories/index.html

4. Chickenpox and pregnancy; The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/chickenpox-and-pregnancy/

5. How to Treat Chickenpox; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/treatment/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/about/prevention-treatment.html

6. Overview: Chickenpox; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279621/

7. Vaccinations; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/vaccinations-medications-drugs/vaccinations.html

8. How to Handle Chickenpox; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/chickenpox-sheet.html

Also Read:

Hives during Breastfeeding
Itchy Breast when Breastfeeding
Headache While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe?
Is Breastfeeding Safe during Hepatitis