How dangerous is C difficile to a newborn?

Question

I am having a baby in seven weeks. I have a family member that has had a recurrence of c-difficile infection and has been put on 6 months of antibiotics. How dangerous is this for my newborn? Should I allow her to hold him?

Answer 1

This is a question you would have to answer. Do you want to take the chance of the baby acquiring this nasty bacteria.  

Answer 2

I had it when I gave birth and was too overwhelmed to ask about the effect on the baby. She did not get it, thankfully, but I wonder if the ob or pediatrician should have been more on top of it. I was very careful about hand washing etc.  My course of treatment was 10 days,as it had been in the past,  so maybe your relative has a more serious case. You must speak to the pediatrician about it and if you aren't satisfied with the answer, ask to be put in touch with an infectious disease doctor. They are most knowledgeable about C-dif. Lots of good luck!

RdGolitely