Breastfeeding
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to breastfeed a baby. One factor that is often overlooked is the connection between breastfeeding and hepatitis C. There is a small chance that the virus could be transmitted if the mother has open sores or ulcers in her breasts. For mothers considering breastfeeding, it is important to talk to a doctor about their risk for hepatitis C and other viruses before deciding.
There are several things that mothers who have hepatitis C can do to prevent passing the virus to their babies through breastfeeding. First, they should not breastfeed if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. In addition, mothers should express milk ahead of time and discard the first several ounces that are expressed, as this milk is more likely to contain the virus.
Breastfeeding mothers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after every diaper change and before expressing milk. They should clean any equipment that comes into contact with their milk, including pumps, bottles, and nipples, with bleach between each use. Lastly, they should talk to their healthcare providers about taking antiviral medication, as this can reduce the amount of virus in their breastmilk and lower the risk of transmission.
