The toddler already has herpes lesions. He should be able to continue bf. Both mother and toddler can receive antiviral meds p.o. Local care w/ antiviral cream, antibiotic ointment if lesion gets secondary infection, and some local anesthetic type cream can be used if too painful. The question, to me, is should the 4 yo bf? (they were tandem nursing). Most likely the 4 yo has been exposed. But maybe not. He would be easier I think to explain why he cannot nurse right now. I can't remember if the breast lesions were bilateral, if not, the toddler could use the affected breast and the 4 yo use the unaffected breast. Very likely the 4 yo will be exposed to this virus in some way. He probably already was before the lesions appeared. The lesions are supposed to stop shedding virus once crusted over, but probably shedding some until all clear. Herpes is dangerous if a PRIMARY infection occurs during a pregnancy or in a very young infant. I can't understand the comment about the toddler getting brain damage. Maybe that person wants the mother to wean. (I mean, come on, nursing a 14 mo old and a toddler!!!???? - sarcasm) ;) Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN New Orleans Louisiana, s.e. USA _________________________________________________________________ FREE pop-up blocking with the new MSN Toolbar – get it now! http://toolbar.msn.com/go/onm00200415ave/direct/01/ *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html