Linda wrote:  "Hepatitis C is NOT a contraindication to breastfeeding.  The
baby should be tested at 9-12 months (after maternal antibody is gone) to
assess Hep C status.

HIV, however, IS a contraindication to breastfeeding in the developed
world."

This raised interesting questions for me on what exactly 'contraindication'
means.  Does it mean that if you are HIV+ it would be one factor which would
weigh on the 'no' side of the balance when considering breastfeeding?  I can
accept that -- it is a factor which I would want any woman to be encouraged
to consider in her feeding choice.

But if we mean 'it is a reason definitely not to breastfeed', I think we do
not yet have enough information to be making such a blanket statement.  My
understanding is, that court cases against indivdual women
not-with-standing, the CDC and the UK DoH RECOMMEND HIV+ not to breastfeed,
rather than say (although I agree the court cases send a mixed message on
this one) that it is prohibited.

Anyone know the usual meaning of 'contraindication'?  Does it imply
recommendation or absolute injunction?

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, The Breastfeeding Network, UK

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