Just a small note to add to Dr. Dermer's thorough post on chicken pox (varicella zoster). ...from Ruff A: Breastmilk breastfeeding and the transmission of viruses to the neonate. Sem in Perinatology 1994;18(6):510-16 "Varicella zoster DNA has been detected in breast milk by polymerase chain reaction ( PCR). However, attempts to isolate the virus from women with either herpes zoster or varicella have been unsuccessful. No available data indicate transmission through breastfeeding." Shirley Gross _________________________________________ M. Shirley Gross M.D.,C.M., C.C.F.P., I.B.C.L.C. Director, Edmonton Breastfeeding Clinic Edmonton, Alberta, Canada E mail at < [log in to unmask] > _________________________________________