Hepatitis C is not contraindicated during BF according to world-renowned
Hepatitis/Pediatrics expert, Dr. Lawrence Gartner.  He is quoted in the NEW
1997 Breastfeeding Answer Book on page 460 (available from LLLI).    "While
considering the 'theoretical' risk of transmission of hep C in breast milk,
one must also consider the equally important theoretical possibility that
the breastfed infant of a mother with hep C virus may actually be protected
from the development of hep C liver disease...Studies of hep B in China
many years ago suggested that bf infants of hp B carrier mothers were less
likely to develop chronic hep than artificially fed intants.  It was
believed that a passive-active immunization occurred in these bf
infants...."

Also in the BAB on page 460..."According to the US Food And Drug Admin
(1994), there is " no evidence...to support any specifal treatments or
precasutions for pregnant women who are carriers of HCV and their
offspring."   The US Centers for Disease Control give no recommendations
concerning bf with hep C, but when contacted, an official stated that under
normal circumstances (eg. mother's nipples not bleeding, no open sores in
baby's mouth, bf is NOT contraindicated)."

I hope this helps.  I REALLY suggests getting the new BAB.  It is a
wonderful resource, being more up-to-date than any other current reference.
BTW, Gartner feels so strongly about this that he is willing to be
contacted by doubting physicians.

WarmLLLy in grey skied Oregon,
Chris

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Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC email: [log in to unmask]
   HSR & Educational Consultant         fax:   541 753 7340
  Health Improvement Research Services  voice:   541 753-7340
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