Question
Can I safely breast-feed my baby if I have hepatitis C?
Answer
Yes, you can safely breast-feed your baby if you have hepatitis C. There's no evidence that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread through breast-feeding. In fact, the rate of hepatitis C transmission from mother to child is no greater in breast-fed babies than in bottle-fed babies. However, HCV-positive mothers should consider abstaining from breast-feeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding.
Last Updated: 01/22/2007
