Here's the Explanation for Sahabat PRAMITA

Sahabat PRAMITA, when a breastfeeding mother falls ill, one of the most common questions is:
"If I have typhoid, can I still breastfeed?" This concern is understandable, as every mother wants to give the best and safest care for her baby.

Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria that spread through contaminated food or water. However, the good news is: typhoid is not transmitted through breast milk. So, a mother with typhoid is still allowed to breastfeed, as long as the doctor permits it, her condition allows, and she is not experiencing serious complications such as severe dehydration or loss of consciousness.

What’s important is that the mother maintains good hygiene, gets enough rest, and takes medication as prescribed by the doctor. Breastfeeding can actually be a crucial moment to boost the baby's immunity, as breast milk contains natural antibodies beneficial for the baby's immune system.

Early Detection of Typhoid Through Laboratory Tests

To ensure the mother’s condition is treated promptly and properly, it’s important to undergo laboratory testing. Some common tests used to detect typhoid include:

Widal Test

This test detects antibodies in the blood that indicate a typhoid infection. Although it may not always be accurate in the early stages, it’s still useful as an initial screening.

TIFO Test (Typhi IgG/IgM Rapid Test)

This rapid test helps determine whether the infection is recent or has occurred in the past. It’s very practical and can provide results quickly.

Salmonella Typhi PCR Test

This is the most accurate test for detecting the bacteria that cause typhoid in the blood. It is usually performed if the symptoms are severe or do not improve with initial treatment.

With the results of these tests, doctors can determine the appropriate treatment and ensure that breastfeeding mothers can recover faster without having to stop breastfeeding.