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Wed, 9 Aug 2000 20:41:38 EDT |
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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
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