I just received a call from a rather frantic mom (gave me permission to  
post) about an unusual situation.  She told me she was pumping a couple of  days 
ago in a shower stall at her work (temporary situation) when she noticed a  
miniscule drop of blood on her finger.  Thinking it was her blood she  licked it. 
 She then realized, or I should say felt, it was not her blood  as it seemed 
"clotted", though bright red, and she could find no cuts on her  finger or 
elsewhere.  She had washed her hands before pumping, and stated  she'd only 
touched the door handle of the shower stall since washing.  Her  concern is whether 
there is any possibility of disease transmission by having  the blood 
momentarily on her tongue/in her mouth (she said she washed out her  mouth within 
seconds of discovering it wasn't her blood).  She stated she  has no bleeding 
gums or open areas in her mouth.  She and a friend returned  later to the stall 
to try to find any source of blood and found nothing  additional.  
 
I assured her it was highly unlikely to be a cause of concern but couldn't  
give false reassurance and would see what others say.  She gave the milk  she'd 
pumped to her baby the following day--there was no contamination of her  milk 
whatsoever.  Anyone care to comment? Any infectious disease  specialists or 
know of any who could offer input? Besides the obvious concern of  HIV, there 
are also other blood bourne illnesses that could be of concern for a  
breastfeeding mother.  I know this mom well from home visits and group and  she and I 
joke about her nervousness about many things, but I let her know she  has every 
right to be anxious re this.   She and I appreciate any and  all information 
and responses.
 
Barbara Latterner, BSN, RN, IBCLC
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