As an NICU nurse for years I did see some babies compromised by CMV. But as
I remember (hopefully correctly) from listening to the neonatologists,
certain infectious organisms do the most damage if this is the Mom's
PRIMARY, acute episode of this type. For example, babies whose Moms contract
herpes for the first time during the pregnancy have a much higher chance of
having direct (sometimes fatal) consequences.

CMV is an organism carried by MANY people and could probably be cultured
several times over.  If you tested every healthcare worker for CMV you'd
probably find most of us carry it. We've all been exposed at one time or
another. Just the presence of it in the breastmilk shouldn't constitute a
reason to "sacrifice breastfeeding...", especially if the baby is
asymptomatic. If Mom has been carrying the organism around and her body is
"handling it", then I suspect her breastmilk is handling it as well.
Remember Jack's explanation of localized immunity.

Any and all wise ones correct me if I'm offbase please.

Jean M.

Jean Macomber, RN, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant
The Family Birth Place
St. Luke's Hospital
Jacksonville, Florida  32216
904-296-5212

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