Undoubtedly, this question will be answered by people who know far more than
I do.  

I think the mother may not have shingles on her hand and that the mom should
not stop nursing.  The baby has been thoroughly exposed to
organisms‹including shingles--infecting her mom.

 Breast milk will contain antibodies against possible infection.

I eagerly await more-informed opinions.


Jay Gordon


Date:    Fri, 3 Mar 2006 09:05:46 -0900
From:    Heidi Ann Koslo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Shingles and BF

I had a midwife call me last night, wanting to know if a mother with a
possible case of shingles can continue nursing her 3-day old infant ... the
nursing staff is telling her she must find someone to watch the baby for at
least a week and put her on formula.  The mother has some type of rash on
her hands ... I haven't talked with her to know if it is painful ... but the
father has a confirmed case of shingles.  I suggested that first they need
to confirm that this mother has shingles (on the hand would be a
presentation of shingles I have never heard of); but that d/c co-sleep with
father and having him keep his distance would be a wise idea (although I
hate to say even that) ... oh wise ones ... has anyone ever dealt with such
a situation?  I'll be happy to take my answers off-list.  (Queasy at the
thought of separating a brand-new motherbaby dyad for more than a week!)


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