The WHO, CDC (USA Centers for Disease Control), and AAP (American Academy of
Pediatrics) all agree that a Hepatitis C is NOT a contraindication to
breastfeeding.  There is a theoretical risk of transmitting the virus via
breastmilk, but because 9 studies found no difference in transmission between
breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, the risk is felt to be incredibly small.  A
few caveats:  if mother has sore, bleeding nipples, her risk of transmission
MAY be increased;  If Mom has a brand new case of Hep C during late pregnancy
or breastfeeding, she has not had time to generate protective antibodies
(takes ~ 6 months) and MAY be at higher risk of transmission;  Also, women
with ACTIVE disease (high titer positive antigen- not antibody- in their
bloodstream) MAY be at higher risk of transmission.  We know perinatal
transmission is proportional to the viral antigen titer  (done by PCR).
Nancy Wight MD, IBCLC
Neonatology
San Diego

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html