I agree with most of what Jack said re CMV and breastfeeding. The infant
should get the benefit of Mom's antibodies......BUT..... Mom is STILL
infectious, and will be lifelong. My ID consultants tell me they want to
decrease to viral load to the infant - so we should discourage breastfeeding
for premies (poor/immature immune systems). I don't buy that argument with
congenitally infected infants. Mom and infant will excrete CMV intermittently
for the rest of their lives in all body secretions.
Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
San Diego CA