As the Northern Hemisphere of the world prepares for influenza season, and with the release of the Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine this week, the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) strongly urges lactation consultants to encourage all pregnant and breastfeeding women you serve to receive BOTH the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines as soon as possible. These vaccines are considered safe by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and can have a life-saving impact on the health of both mothers and babies.
A few important notes about influenza vaccines:
1. Seasonal flu vaccines, which do not use a live virus, have been used safely for decades. Although the H1N1 vaccine is new, it was developed using the same process and is expected to be safe.
2. Pregnant mothers and their unborn child are at special risk of complications if they contract the flu. Pregnant women may take the vaccines during any trimester of their pregnancy.
3. Babies are better protected from influenza after they are born if their mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy.
4. The vaccines are considered safe for breastfeeding women.
5. Both pregnant women and new mothers (plus other caregivers of infants) are priority groups for influenza vaccinations. They should be able to get the vaccine, even if it is hard to find in some areas.
ILCA is also very pleased to announce three helpful new documents:
* “Tips for Parents: Protecting Your Baby Against Flu” , available for free downloading on the ILCA website at www.ilca.org. Feel free to reprint this document to provide tonew families you serve. Click for PDF
* “Flu Season Action Ideas for Lactation Consultants”, with resources and ideas.Click for PDF
* Press release, which can be freely circulated in your local community. Click for PDF
Finally, ILCA is aware that the CDC’s current guidelines regarding new breastfeeding mothers who are ill with influenza are very conservative. We also understand that these guidelines are under active review by the CDC. ILCA will keep members alerted in the event these guidelines change.
In the meantime, ILCA encourages members to keep the issues in perspective and remember that the numbers of women who present at the hospital with early influenza symptoms when they deliver are extremely low. Most mothers are not ill when they deliver, and if they become ill after delivery, when their baby has already been exposed, they are advised to continue directly breastfeeding their baby to provide important antibodies.
As lactation consultants, you are a vital member of the health care team, and are in a pivotal position to help families keep themselves and their infants healthy during flu season. ILCA encourages you to promote vaccinations and continue doing what you do best: help mothers get a good start with breastfeeding.
For more information, contact the ILCA Office at info@ilca.org, or call toll-free at:
1-888-ILCA-IS-U.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Anglea Smith’s Signature
Angela Smith, President
ILCA Board of Directors
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