In a message dated 97-08-11 20:41:06 EDT, you write:

<< The question of herpes simplex, however, depends on how old the baby is,
 and where the lesions of the infection are, or even if the lesions are
 active, as herpes infection can be dormant.
  >>
Yes, Dr. Jack. And isn't it also true that the primary infection is the most
virulent and of greatest concern?  Alot of nurses I have worked with were so
worried if hx of herpes is in the chart, but this may be a very "old" case
and will have very little effect on the baby and bf. Families are taught good
handwashing in any case. At ILCA conf. one attendee shared that  a toddler
had a mouth lesion and then gave it to the mother on her breast. The HCP
advised no bf. Sounds ludicrous.
Laurie Wheeler, RNC, MN, IBCLC
VIOLET LOUISIANA