With all due respect to the books that say that a mother should not breastfeed when she takes acyclovir, I disagree. We use acyclovir intravenously in small babies when we suspect herpes encephalitis. The tiny amount of acyclovir which comes out in the milk should not be a problem for the baby. I do not know either why there is suddenly an increased risk of passing on the H. Simplex by breastfeeding. The mother only need wash her hands carefully before each feeding. Herpes is passed on by direct contact, and that can be done without breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does not increase the risk. Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC PS I hate the expression "pump and dump". How about "sacrificing breastfeeding on the altar of ignorance?"