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?"