Thank all of you who have responded to a colleague (Beth) who is working with a mom whose baby has possible herpes in his mouth. The depth of experience on this list is incredible and I appreciate your sharing. I will update as I learn what is happening! Here is the clarification Kathy D. asked for, quoting Beth: " In response to Kathy's question, the toddler had swollen gums, at least one ulcer on the gums, and a small whitish blister on his lip. We are talking about breastfeeding a child with (possible) Herpes Simplex 1. The mother mostly wants to know what her chances are of contracting the virus via breastfeeding her son (though she's already decided not to wean over this). If there is any protective or preventative measures she should take for herself during her son's outbreak, she'd like this information, too. The physician and dentist she consulted didn't offer much help, except a suggestion to wean." Karen Zeretzke, MEd, IBCLC Baton Rouge, Louisiana [log in to unmask]