The current stance of the CDC and WHO is that breastfeeding is compatible with
Hep C antibody positive Moms.  At a recent Sept 1997 AAP annual meeting there
were two of us talking about Hep C (both reviewed the literature).  I was
surprised to find out that the infectious disease specialist (Richard Whitley
MD) was even more supportive of breastfeeding with Hep C than I ! There has
never been a case of transmission of Hep C via breastmilk when mother is not
actively viremic, or also co-infected with HIV.  I had recommended checking
Mom's PCR status (antigen test for viral RNA in mom's serum) periodically
during breastfeeding.  I am now in the process of revising my article at:
www.breastfeeding.org.
Nancy Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Neonatology