Lactnet colleagues:
A fellow LC asked me to put this on lactnet.  Her client is a 26 yo G1P1 with
+ RPR on prenatal blood work.  No signs, symptoms of syphilis but is
estranged from husband and out of contact with him since her pregnancy was
confirmed.  This mom states that follow-up lab work(not sure what specific
tests)  during the pregnancy were negative for syphilis.
She is now 3 days postpartum and her RPR at delivery was +, infant's cord
blood was negative.  No lesions or other symptoms.  Both mom and infant are
being treated with penicillin.  Her titers are also elevated (I don't know
the numbers).
The pediatrician told mom she cannot breastfeed.  Right now mom is expressing
milk with pump and bottle feeding ABM to baby until she receives further
info.
We could not find anything in Riordan and Auerbach's book re syphilis;
Lawrence says OK to breastfeed if no active lesions. This info was provided
to the mother by the attending LC.
Seems reasonable to me to breastfeed, especially since baby has already been
exposed (if he has) during pg, and now both are on meds.  But mom wants as
much info as possible and will present to the ped.  Of course, she is
emotionally devastated and has not much milk yet.
Thanks,
Laurie Wheeler, rnc, mn, ibclc
violet louisiana
counting her blessings

p.s. I'd like to check ARCHIVES for last few days, as AOL seems sort of on
the glitch.   Anyone knows how to do this, please e-mail instructions to
[log in to unmask]
thanks.