Beth, The reference you can use is "Breastfeeding and Lactation" (Second
Edition) by Auerbach and Riordan, page 233.  Yes, the CMV virus is
transmitted in the milk but it delivers a protective effect.  It is
"permitted." Through my research on patenting of human milk components,
lactoferrin is considered to inactivate CMV.   Human lactoferrin (genetically
engineered but nevertheless based on what human milk components can do to
inactivate this virus) will be used by the pharmaceutical industry to treat
CMV.

The Auerbach and Riordan book they say, "breastfeeding has proven to be an
important means of conveying passive immunity to CMV, a so-called natural
immunization." (page230).  The concern in regard to this virus is with
preterm infant, as Pat says, because there is a risk of serious illness.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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