Babies rarely contract strep throat.   Mom has already exposed the baby (by
breathing on him/her or kissing him/her, not by breastfeeding).  Mom will no
longer be contagious (respiratory spread) after 24 hours of antibiotic
therapy.  Strep is NOT transmitted in the breastmilk; antibodies in the
breastmilk may protect the baby from developing the strep infection.
Penicillin treatment is NOT a contraindication to breastfeeding.  If the baby
does get strep he/she can just be treated with penicillin or amoxicillin--we
use these drugs very frequently in infants.  The safest and sanest course is
to have the mom continue breastfeeding, take her penicillin as prescribed,
and watch the baby.  If baby develops a fever or seems to have a sore throat,
the baby can have a throat culture done and be treated with antibiotics.
Linda L. Shaw MD FAAP
Altoona PA

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