Can infections pass through breastmilk?

Can Infections Pass Through Breastmilk?
Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers. However, a critical question arises: can infections be transmitted through breastmilk? The answer is nuanced and depends on the type of infection in question.
Transmission of Specific Infections
Certain infections are known to be transmitted through breastmilk. Notably, viruses such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-I) have been documented to pass from mother to infant via breastfeeding. This transmission can pose significant health risks to the newborn, leading to serious infections or diseases.
Conversely, many sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and gonorrhea, do not typically transmit through breastmilk. For instance, while Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be transmitted during childbirth, there is no documented risk of it being passed through breastfeeding. This distinction is crucial for new mothers who may be concerned about the implications of their health on their breastfeeding practices.
Guidelines for Breastfeeding with Maternal Infections
Health authorities have established guidelines for breastfeeding when a mother is infected with certain viruses. For example, in cases of maternal HIV, the recommendation often leans towards avoiding breastfeeding to prevent transmission to the infant. In contrast, for infections like CMV, breastfeeding may still be encouraged, as the benefits of breastmilk can outweigh the risks of transmission.
The Role of Mastitis and Other Conditions
Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can complicate breastfeeding. It not only causes discomfort for the mother but can also increase the risk of transmitting infections to the infant. Therefore, mothers experiencing symptoms of mastitis should seek medical advice to manage their condition effectively while considering the implications for breastfeeding.
General Considerations
In general, most maternal viral infections do not significantly increase the risk of transmission through breastmilk. The consensus among health professionals is that continuing to breastfeed is often in the best interest of both the mother and the infant, as breastmilk provides essential nutrients and immune protection.
In conclusion, while some infections can indeed pass through breastmilk, many common maternal infections do not pose a significant risk. Mothers should consult healthcare providers to navigate their specific situations, ensuring both their health and that of their infants are prioritized.

What diseases are transmitted 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 STDs can be 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.

Can I pass illness through breast milk?

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?

What infections can be passed through breastmilk?

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 illnesses should you not breastfeed?

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

• If the mother has been infected with HIV or has AIDS.
• Many medications taken by the mother may pass onto the baby via breast milk.
• Mothers with cancer who are taking cancer chemotherapy medications also cannot breastfeed their babies.

Can a baby be infected through breastfeeding?

There have been a few documented cases of babies acquiring HIV from mothers with undetectable viral loads. PROMISE, an international study of 1200 breastfeeding mothers, found two cases of HIV transmission from mother to infant during breastfeeding when the mothers had an undetectable viral load.

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 I breastfeed if I have a bacterial infection?

These bacterial pathogens can be associated with mastitis (a breast infection) and breast abscesses in breastfeeding mothers, and require prompt medical attention. In most cases, mothers with a staph or MRSA infection can continue to breastfeed their infant.

Do they test babies for STDs at birth?

Health Services
Infant tests for HIV and syphilis are considered expedited when specimens are collected within two hours of birth and testing results are returned within six hours of collection.

How do I keep my baby from getting sick when 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.