I have received a few e-mails about the dangers of herpes and breast feeding. This is essentially a non-issue in my opinion because the benefits of breast feeding FAR outweigh the risk of herpes transmission (which is very close to zero).
HSV is spread through skin to skin contact. As this skin involves the soft mucous membranes including the mouth it is possible that if you had an active herpes outbreak on your nipple or breast, that spreading herpes to your baby could be a concern. However, it is rare to have outbreaks on nipples or breasts, and if you happened to have one, well, I am guessing this is why God gave you two breasts! Use the other one.
Herpes and Breastfeeding
Seriously ladies. Breastfeeding rocks. There have been so many countless stories of the extreme benefits of breastfeeding including (but not limited to: immunity, intelligence, ear infections, bonding, etc.) I really hate getting on my soap box because I believe every woman has a choice (yes, even that choice), but even though I did not particularly like breastfeeding (you don’t have to love it! You are not not-normal if you don’t really like it) I did it because I knew how great it was for my baby and I also knew it was great for me. Breast feeding releases a hormone in the body that a) is the same one released after orgasm and b) helps you lose weight faster!
Anyway, the awesomeness of breastfeeding is well documented on the Web, I will stick to the issues of herpes and breastfeeding here. If you have an active outbreak – wherever it may be on your body, you just need to keep it clean and dry and away from your babies and children. This goes for whether you are breastfeeding or not.
I had both my boys vaginally (no C-sections!), and breast fed them both for just over six months each. I have HSV2 and I had no problems. In fact, I would do it all again.
You can read all about that here at herpes and pregnancy.
Take care.
No related posts.
I was wondering what you did about meds while pregnant & nursing. I’ve had hsv-2 since before preg. & if I miss even 3 days of the Acyclovir I get an outbreak. I feel like its been worse since pregnant where I need more Meds than usual. How did u deal with meds?
Hi Lynn,
I’m so sorry for my delayed response. You can read my apology here –> http://theherpesblog.com/herpes-blog/
I actually did not take medication when I was pregnant. I would have not had a problem taking it when I was pregnant because it is deemed to be safe. Even just a bit of acycolvir or valtrex. I did take it the last three weeks of each pregnancy to ensure I could have a vaginal birth (very important to me). I am not quite sure how to advise you because it is such a personal decision. Have you asked your Doctor? Mine was fine with me taking it the last three weeks, but like I said, pregnancy is actually odd for me where I guess my immune system is on such overdrive, outbreaks were rare.
What I will say is that it is common to get outbreaks immediately after stopping the medications. This is normal and usually tapers off. You might try going off your medication for at least two weeks and see if your outbreaks slow down. Whatever you decide, be at peace with your decision. Your baby needs a Mommy with lots of good feelings and serenity – not worried and stress hormones!
Good luck!
hi nanci!
I found out i had hsv2 during my first pregnancy and gave birth to the most beautiful baby girl vaginally!!!♥ i have many questions for you since i am so new to learn about the virus. Its hard only reading horrible things about it on the web. Do you have an email i can send questions to? thanks so much!
~michele