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

Latest

Showcasing bi-partisan support for hepatitis B elimination!

Towards the end of the 46th Parliament, people from across Australia came together for a momentous hepatitis B event. You can watch the event here.
13th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference

The 13th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference 29 May - 31 May 2022.
The new HepBcommunity.org Research Showcase

The HepBcommunity.org Research Showcase is a new online space for researchers and people impacted by hepatitis B to share and collaborate. You can win $100 and $250 prizes by sharing and participating.
Members Brief: multi-country, severe non-viral hepatitis of unknown origin in children

The issue of multi-country severe acute (non-viral) hepatitis in children is attracting interest and media coverage. Hepatitis Australia understands media approaches have been made to Member organisations for comment.