Parents often ask if they should premedicate their baby before immunization in order to prevent fever and discomfort that’s associated with the shots. In fact, a study published last year in The Lancet suggested that acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) blunts the immune system’s response to the vaccines. At GetzWell, where we often vaccinate children on a staggered schedule (fewer vaccines per appointment) and strongly discourage premedication, we rarely see post-vaccine fevers or pain. Additionally, an Italian study involving 450 babies (published in Pediatrics in May 2010), showed that half as many infants who were exclusively breastfed developed post-vaccine fevers compared to babies who weren’t breastfed at all. Yet another reason to support breastfeeding whenever possible!
At GetzWell, we offer breastfeeding consultation house calls. Emily Waight, CPNP, our experienced pediatric nurse practitioner and lactation educator, loves to visit families in the comfort of their own homes and has a passion for helping parents to achieve their desired breastfeeding goals. Emily is also available to see families by appointment in our office. Call us to learn more! 415.826.1701
