· By Tiny Hearts Education
How To Keep Your Newborn Safe When You Have A Cold Sore: A Guide For Mamas
I'm currently writing this day 6 in my postpartum newborn bubble, but alongside this beautiful moment, I currently have 7 cold sores 😱
Here's how I'm keeping my newborn safe during this time.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. These small, fluid-filled blisters typically appear around the lips, mouth, or nose. While cold sores are common and usually harmless in adults, they can be particularly dangerous for newborns whose immune systems aren't fully developed yet. Read more about everything you need to know about the cold sore virus. Treating cold sores before your delivery is recommended to prevent your baby catching the virus. Let your doctor or midwife know if you have a current or recurring outbreaks when you are pregnant so they can find the most suitable treatment for you.
The virus can be passed onto the baby through close contact with an infected person, especially during an outbreak. If you are a new mum with a cold sore, naturally, you may be concerned about keeping your baby safe. Take these precautions to minimise the risk of your little one getting the virus.
Here's how I'm keeping my newborn safe:
1. Not kissing her on the face.2. Not kissing her hands (little ones love putting their hands into their mouths!)
3. Covering up the cold sore when I'm going to be in close contact with her. Facemasks or a cold sore patch works well.
4. Using hand sanitiser thoroughly before holding my newborn.
5. Using hand sanitiser thoroughly before touching things that they will touch eg. their dummies or bottles.
6. Keeping the area around the cold sore moist by applying ice and using lip balm
7. Not touching the cold sore with my hands
8. Using Medications such as Aciclovir creams to help treat the cold sore. These are available over-the-counter and are safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. There isn't enough safety information for other over-the-counter medications, so always chat with a health care professional before taking other medications. You can also call the medicine hotline on 1300 MEDICINE to discuss with a registered pharmacists
9. I'm also taking Lyp-sine to helps relieves symptoms and supports the immune system. Chat with a health care professional before taking this one if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
10. Breastfeeding, if you are willing and able. This may pass on antibodies from mum to Bub through the breastmilk.
These are just a few simple steps I'm taking to minimise the risk of my bub catching the virus from me. I know this added challenge to the postpartum journey can be frustrating, but I always remind myself, it's not going to be like this forever. I remind myself that I'm taking extra steps to protect my baby during a time where they are most vulnerable. Now get back to your newborn bubble and enjoy your new bub❤️
If you would like more information to give to friends and family about this check out or blog post, Please Don't Kiss My Baby, Here's Why. I've also put together a text message of My Newborn Rules that you can copy and paste to send to your loved ones before the arrival of your bub.
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