Ann
The only research I know of that is relevant to Hep C isthe following;
"Hepatitis C virus RNA in saliva and breastmilk of hepatitis C carrier
mothers" Ogasawara S et al, Lancet(341):561 Feb 27 1993
which in a study of 1661 preg women, 26  were antibody +ve, 10 found to
have hep C RNA (HCV RNA). These were followed up for 3 - 22mo to find that
while it existed in the saliva in 5 of the 10 mothers, but in NONE of
their breastmilk. All babies had the antibody, but gradually disappeared.
One infant had a transitory abnormal liver function. To quote them "The
saliva of patients with HCV is infective. We assume the saliva is a
possible source of HCV infection from mother to infant. The breastmilk
seems to be rarely, if ever, contaminated with HCV."

This is only a letter to the Lancet - I would like to read a complete paper.
Ther sample size is a bit small to be conclusive.

"Vertical transmission of Hep C virus" Thaler MM et al
LAncet 1991 (338) 17-18 July 6
This paper looks at a whole lot of high risk mothers (of HIV etc) and tracks
infection between mother and infant. Breastfeeding is not included in the
information at all. Some babies catch HCV others do not 10 mothers and
babies and the infection is tracked over the babies first yr or two of life.

His earlier paper is often cited as the one which establishes that
vertical transmission can happen. Lancet 1991:338:17-18 but again does not
include information about breastfeeding. "Vertical transmission of HCV"

From anecdotal evidence, mothers can breastfeed safely, but I think you
need to be aware of the disease process. Is it an acute infection, or
along standing one? IMHO the antibodies in her breastmilk provide a useful
basis for protection, as there is a high likelihood - if she indeed has
HCV and not just antibody +ve - that teh infant will be exposed via the
mothers saliva at some stage.

> I have been off Lactnet a few days.  Is there any new word on Hepatitis C?  I
> got a call from a sister LC today who had a mom who delivered today, and they
> told her she could not breastfeed. Got it from Ruth Lawrence's book.  Anything
> new I could share with her?
>
> Ann Calandro, RNC,IBCLC