Is it possible for a mother to pass on via breatmilk ?
Hi massageseeker
Since our specialty is sexuality transmitted infections I will just discuss the infections that may pass to a female partner and then possibly to an infant via breastfeeding.
The main infections that can be passed via breast milk are HIV and hepatitis B.
There is lots of evidence that HIV can pass to an infant via breast milk.
There is lots of evidence that hepatitis B can pass from mother to child most commonly in the period just before and just after birth. The hepatitis B virus can be detected in breast milk but research shows that there is no evidence that breast-feeding increases the risk of transmission to the child.
So basically we know HIV can pass via breast milk, but hepatitis B is a maybe.
In Canada we are able to test a pregnant mother for these infections and if we know beforehand different strategies can be used to really reduce the chances of the baby getting the infection. This is also true for other infections that can cause problems for the baby e.g. Syphilis.
A problem happens when the mother is only tested at the beginning of the pregnancy. If she gets infected after this date it may be missed by the doctor as they do not think she is at risk.
This is a very common concern for many of our clients and can lead to a lot of anxiety. I have met many men over the years that have increased their SP visits when a partner is pregnant or just given birth.
The sex life at home can really change during this period!!
If this is a concern I would suggest that:
• You come for regular testing especially for syphilis.
• The urine tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea are very accurate one week after sexual contact, so come in then for testing.
• Condoms really reduce the risk.
Please feel free to comment or ask us to expand on a topic. Remember if you would like to ask me a personal question just send me a PM.
HN
www.stdresource.com
