Can disease be passed through breast milk?

Can Disease Be Passed Through Breast Milk?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, both for infants and mothers. However, a critical question arises: can diseases be transmitted through breast milk? The answer is nuanced, as it depends on the specific disease in question.
Transmission of Infectious Diseases
Research indicates that certain infectious diseases can indeed be transmitted from mother to child through breast milk. Notably, viruses such as HIV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I) are known to pose risks in this regard. These viruses can lead to significant health issues in infants if transmitted during breastfeeding.
Conversely, many common pathogens, such as Listeria, are not transmitted through breast milk, although they can pose risks during pregnancy or through other means. This highlights the importance of understanding the specific risks associated with different infections.
Bacterial Infections and Breast Milk
Bacterial infections can also be a concern. For instance, when breast milk becomes infected, it may contain pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus, which can lead to mastitis in mothers and potentially affect the milk. However, the transmission of these bacteria through breast milk is not as straightforward as with viral infections.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding with Infectious Diseases
For mothers with certain infectious diseases, healthcare providers often recommend discussing breastfeeding options thoroughly. In cases where the risk of transmission is significant, such as with HIV, guidelines suggest avoiding breastfeeding altogether to protect the infant.
Moreover, the protective properties of breast milk can sometimes outweigh the risks, as it contains antibodies that help bolster an infant’s immune system against various infections. This creates a complex decision-making scenario for new mothers, who must weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks of disease transmission.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is generally safe and beneficial, certain infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk. The specific risks depend on the type of infection, and mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about breastfeeding in the context of their health and that of their infants. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for ensuring the well-being of both mother and child during the breastfeeding journey.

Can I drink my own breast milk?

“While human breast milk is nutritious and beneficial for infants, consuming it as an adult may not provide the same nutritional benefits and could potentially expose the consumer to health risks.”

What STD is passed through breast milk?

The risk for transmission from mother to child varies significantly if the maternal infection is a primary infection (eg, herpes simplex virus [HSV], HIV1), a secondary (reactivation) infection (eg, HSV, CMV) or a chronic infection (eg, hepatitis B, HIV1, HTLV-I) during pregnancy or lactation.

What is passed through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What STDs can be passed through breast milk?

If you have HIV, do not breastfeed. You can pass the virus to your baby. In countries like the United States where clean water is available, using a breastmilk substitute like formula is recommended. If you have chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HPV, you can breastfeed your baby.

When should you not breastfeed?

Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, also may be advised not to breastfeed. Infants who have galactosemia—a rare metabolic disorder in which the body cannot digest the sugar galactose—should not be breastfed.

What illnesses should you not breastfeed with?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following:

• Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency)
• Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

Is it okay to breastfeed when sick?

You can and should continue breastfeeding while sick with certain illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19, or diarrhea, or if you have a breast infection such as mastitis. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and safe water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to help prevent spreading germs.

Which disease usually spread through milk?

Diseases, such as typhoid, scarlet fever, diphtheria, septic sore throat, and infantile diarrhea can be transmitted by contaminated hands or by coughing, sneezing, and talking while milking or handling milk at the farm level.

What illness can be passed through breast milk?

Serious Illnesses and Breastfeeding

• COVID-19. A parent who tests positive for COVID-19 can breastfeed their infant.
• HIV.
• Hepatitis B.
• Hepatitis C.
• Tuberculosis.
• Other infections.
• Cancer.
• More information.

Can you spread illness through breast milk?

Of course, our top priority as mothers is protecting this new little life, and we would do anything for them. So, here is the good news. Your body has superpowers! Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?