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Which is not transmitted via breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Transmission
Breast milk is often heralded for its numerous health benefits for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that bolster their immune systems. However, there are important considerations regarding what can and cannot be transmitted through breast milk.
What Is Not Transmitted via Breast Milk?
Recent studies have clarified that certain viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, are unlikely to be transmitted through breast milk. Research indicates that no cases of infants contracting COVID-19 from breast milk have been documented, and the virus was not detected in samples of breast milk tested from infected mothers . This finding is crucial for breastfeeding mothers who may be concerned about the safety of nursing during the pandemic.
Additionally, while Zika virus can be detected in breast milk, there are no documented cases of post-natal transmission through breastfeeding. This suggests that, despite the presence of the virus in milk, the act of breastfeeding does not pose a risk of transmitting Zika to infants.
The Case of HIV and Other Viruses
Conversely, it is well-established that certain viruses, such as HIV, can be transmitted through breast milk. This is a significant concern for HIV-positive mothers, as the risk of transmission is heightened due to the frequency of breastfeeding over time. Therefore, while some viruses can be transmitted through breast milk, others, like SARS-CoV-2 and Zika, do not pose the same risk.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is a vital source of nutrition and immunity for infants, it is important to recognize that not all pathogens can be transmitted through this medium. The evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus do not pose a transmission risk via breastfeeding, providing reassurance to mothers during challenging times. However, the transmission of HIV through breast milk remains a critical concern, highlighting the need for careful consideration in specific health contexts.

Which hepatitis is not transmitted via breast milk?

Your baby can not get hepatitis C from your breast milk. You should stop breastfeeding if you have cracked and bleeding nipples. This is because hepatitis C spreads by infected blood.

Can E. coli be transmitted through breast milk?

There is no evidence for transmission through breast milk. Escherichia coli is a common cause of neonatal systemic bacterial infection as well as urinary tract infections and bacteremia in infants. E coli is ubiquitous in the mother and infant’s environment.

Can anything be transmitted through breast milk?

In most maternal viral infections, breast milk is not an important mode of transmission, and continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and mother (see Tables 2 and 3). Maternal bacterial infections rarely are complicated by transmission of infection to their infants through breast milk.

Can hep C be transmitted through breast milk?

HCV, the virus that causes hepatitis C, does not spread through breast milk. Studies also show that breastfed infants do not have higher rates of hepatitis C than formula-fed babies. The virus spreads to others when blood from an infected person gets into the blood of someone who’s not infected.

Can hepatitis E be transmitted through breast milk?

Breastfeeding is considered safe in asymptomatic women infected with HEV despite the presence of anti-HEV antibodies and HEV RNA in the colostrum. However, it is considered unsafe if the mother has acute hepatic disease or an increased viral load.

What substances can pass through breast milk?

A woman’s lifestyle may affect her breast milk, and have an impact on the baby. During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk.

Can you pass C diff through breast milk?

difficile infection are very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and unlikely to adversely affect the breastfed infant.

What substances pass through breast milk?

During breastfeeding, it is important for a woman not to consume alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. These substances are known to pass through the breast milk. This information can help mothers to understand better about the consequences of smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Can typhoid be transmitted through breast milk?

Mothers with common infections such as dengue, typhoid, and malaria can generally continue to breastfeed their babies, as the infections are not transmitted through breast milk. In fact, breastfeeding offers crucial immune protection to the infant.

What can be transferred 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.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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