Immunity

• Breastfeeding a baby when the mother has had either the wild chicken pox virus or the vaccine does pass immunity to the infant. While the amount of immunity may be less than is created with a vaccine, the baby receives and benefits from the mother's already developed immunities while breastfeeding and is less likely to get chicken pox when exposed. In addition to actual immunities, the baby's immune system is further protected with nutrients and healthy fatty acids present in breast milk.
  
  

Exposure

• If another member of the family gets chicken pox, try to keep physical contact with baby to a minimum.varicelle image by Charly from Fotolia.com
  
  If someone in the family is exposed to chicken pox, the incubation period is between seven and 21 days. During this time it is advisable to keep the breastfeeding infant away from the exposed person as much as possible. A mother who has been exposed does not need to quarantine herself since it is likely the baby has already been in contact, and continued breastfeeding will help keep the baby healthy. After scabs have healed and the family member is determined healthy to be around people again, it is fine to have him around the baby as well.
  
  

Shingles

• If the mother experiences chicken pox or shingles while breastfeeding, she will be passing along the immunities her body develops. In the event sores or blisters are present on the nipple the mother may need to pump her milk from the affected breast until the sore heals to prevent nipple-to-mouth transmission and to allow her nipple to heal. Seeking professional assistance from a board-certified lactation consultant, breastfeeding peer counselor or La Leche League Leader can provide the information and support a mom needs to continue breastfeeding safely.
  
  

Vaccination

• Chicken pox or varicella vaccine is available to mothers and infants. The vaccine creates some immunity for the person receiving it and is considered relatively safe to be given while a mother is breastfeeding. While no vaccine is 100 percent effective, medical professionals recommend this vaccine to all healthy people of the appropriate age. Alternatives to vaccination can be found through naturopathic or homeopathic health care professionals.
  
  

Professional Help

• Mother-to-mother support can help with the challenges of breastfeeding and chicken pox.mothers with children 3 image by Pavel Losevsky from Fotolia.com
  
  If a mother has concerns about breastfeeding and chicken pox, she can contact her family health care professional or breastfeeding specialist. Some health care professionals may have limited information, but organizations such as La Leche League International can provide information, support and often connect the mother with other members of her community who can help her.