Hi Kim
The mother is question had Hep C 20 years ago? How did she know? The
methods for diagnosing Hep C have only been around for a few years,
so is she Hep C positive now and assumes that she caught it 20 years
ago, or did she actually have another type of Hepatitis (A or B) 20
years ago?
There are two tests for Hep C. One is for the antibody, which
basically tells us if our body has ever 'met' Hep C. There is also a
test called PCR which tells us if the virus is still active in the
body. Generally, even if a mother is PCR postive, it is still OK to
breastfeed. What Philippa Thompson said about cracked nipples is also
relevant.
Hope this helps
Fiona Coombes MBBS IBCLC               [log in to unmask]
Nursing Mothers' Association of Australia Breastfeeding Counsellor
Lactation Consultant, Family Physician     Perth Western Australia