Knowledgebase: Information on Specific Illnesses

Here you will find discussions of specific illnesses and their management.

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1. Will nursing protect a newborn from Chicken Pox? - Top

Question: Will a new born baby, that is being nursed be immune to chicken pox. The mother has had the chicken pox.

Answer: Maternal antibodies cross the placenta to the baby before birth, as well as through breast milk to the baby. If the mother has had Chicken Pox, the baby will have some protection, particularly during the first 3 months or so. However, it would still be possible to get the infection. Often when infants get Chicken Pox, they get a very mild case, probably for this reason. - Updated: September 25, 2002

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James L Horwitz, MD

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Barbara Lindberg, PNP