07/01/2020
Postpartum Shingles is a thing. By 5 months postpartum, I was exhausted from the 4 month sleep regression. I was still breastfeeding but trying desperately to shift that last bit of baby weight so I was on a calorie controlled diet that was a little too restrictive for my bodyâs needs. I was also working late into the night rather than sleeping when Joseph did.
I wasnât the first mom in my mom group to get shingles. In fact, had it not been for my friend talking about hers in our group chat, I wouldnât have recognized the symptoms as quickly as I did.
Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body, causing a painful rash. Anyone with a weakened immune system (who has had chickenpox) is at increased risk for shingles. That includes pregnant women and new mothers. For some reason though, no one warns you!
You canât catch shingles from someone who has it, but you can catch chicken pox from direct contact with the rash if you are not immune to the virus.
Of course, my 5 month old was not immune so I made the difficult decision to stop breastfeeding him entirely. In hindsight I could have been careful and covered the rash while feeding him. Or I could have pumped and bottle fed him until I was better. But I was too tired to think about all that. Besides, formula ended up being a better option for us in the long run.
If you notice an itchy or painful rash, particularly one that is focused down one side of your body, get it checked out Immediately by a doctor. If caught early shingles can be treated quickly with minimal pain.
