Can illness pass through breast milk?

Can Illness Pass Through Breast Milk?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits, both for infants and mothers. However, a critical question arises: Can illnesses be transmitted through breast milk? The answer is nuanced, as certain infections can indeed pass from mother to child via breast milk, while others are less likely to pose a risk.
Infectious Diseases and Breast Milk
Research indicates that specific infectious diseases can be transmitted through breast milk. Notably, viruses such as HIV, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are known to be transmitted in this manner. For instance, CMV can be present in the breast milk of infected mothers, posing a risk to infants who lack maternal antibodies against the virus. This is particularly concerning for premature infants or those with compromised immune systems, as they are more susceptible to severe illness from CMV exposure.
In a study focusing on premature infants, a significant percentage (59%) of those exposed to CMV through breast milk developed infections, highlighting the potential risks associated with breastfeeding in the context of maternal CMV infection.
The Role of Antibodies
Despite the risks, breast milk is also rich in antibodies that can help protect infants from various infections. When a mother is sick, her body produces specific antibodies that are transferred to her baby through breast milk, potentially providing a protective effect against the illness. This means that while some pathogens can be transmitted, the overall immune benefits of breastfeeding often outweigh the risks for healthy infants.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding with Illness
Health organizations recommend that mothers discuss their medical history and any current illnesses with healthcare providers to assess the risks associated with breastfeeding. In cases where a mother has an infectious disease that poses a significant risk to the infant, alternatives to breastfeeding may be considered.
For example, while breastfeeding is generally encouraged, mothers with active infections like HIV are advised against breastfeeding due to the high risk of transmission. Conversely, for many other infections, the benefits of breastfeeding may still be deemed to outweigh the risks, especially if the infant has received maternal antibodies.
Conclusion
In summary, while certain illnesses can indeed pass through breast milk, the presence of protective antibodies and the overall health benefits of breastfeeding often provide a strong case for continuing this practice, provided that mothers consult with healthcare professionals about their specific situations. The decision to breastfeed should be made with careful consideration of both the potential risks and the significant health benefits that breastfeeding offers to infants.

Can a breastfeeding mom pass a cold to a baby?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

Can I breastfeed while sick with a fever?

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.

Can a baby get sick through breast milk?

Did you know that you cannot pass illnesses such as the cold, flu, fever, diarrhea, vomiting and even COVID through your breast milk?

Can I breastfeed if I have a sore throat?

If you have a cold or a sore throat, you should still continue to breastfeed your baby. Doing so will pass on immunity cells so that your baby can fight this specific infection.

Can you pass an infection through breast milk?

Breast milk can occasionally transmit serious viral and bacterial infections to preterm infants. We present three cases of late-onset neonatal sepsis, including one that resulted in death, occurring in preterm infants. The likely source of the microorganisms in all three cases was expressed breast milk.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick?

While you’re sick, though, protect your baby from as many germs as possible. Babies have a higher risk of catching the flu and having health problems from it. So: Wash your hands well and often.

Should I stay away from my baby if I’m sick?

Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with your baby if you are sick and encourage friends and family to do the same, especially during cold and flu season.

Can you pass a virus through breast milk?

The actual risk for transmission of an infectious agent to an infant via a single ingestion of expressed breast milk (the most common occurrence) from another mother is exceedingly low. In this scenario, the CDC recommends treating this as an accidental exposure to a body fluid, which could be infectious.

Can a virus pass through breast milk?

The concern is about viral pathogens, known to be blood-borne pathogens, which have been identified in breast milk and include but are not limited to hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), West Nile virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), and HIV.

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.