Is it safe to breastfeed if I have hep C?

Yes, so long as your nipples are not cracked or bleeding.

Hepatitis C is not transmitted through breast milk, but if your nipples are cracked or bleeding it is recommended that you stop breastfeeding temporarily on that breast and consult a midwife.

It is not known if hep C medication can be passed to your baby in your breast milk. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits involved.

Find out more about preventing hepatitis C

Find out more about hepatitis C treatment

References

RANZCOG. (2016, July). Management of Hepatitis C in pregnancy. Retrieved from RANZCOG.

Updated 16 April 2020

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