Can a Mother with Chickenpox Continue Breastfeeding? Key Considerations

Can a mother with chickenpox breastfeed?

Hello Doctor: Last month, I had shingles, which has now crusted over.
However, before the onset of my condition, my wife shared meals with me.
Two days ago, my wife developed chickenpox and has already visited a clinic for examination.
We also have a one-month-old baby and a four-year-old child at home.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Is it advisable for the mother to continue breastfeeding after contracting chickenpox?
2.
Given the incubation period, could the newborn have already been infected since I have been breastfeeding since birth?
3.
Should we take the newborn to the hospital for a blood test to confirm if there is a chickenpox infection, or should we wait until symptoms appear?
4.
My other four-year-old child has received the chickenpox vaccine; does he also need to be isolated from the mother?
5.
I am still in the crusted stage of shingles; do I need to continue isolating myself from my family?
These questions are quite urgent, and I would greatly appreciate your assistance in answering them.
Thank you very much!

Mr. Lu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/20

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

1.
You should consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.

2.
It is possible; the typical incubation period is two weeks.

3.
It is not necessary.

4.
The effectiveness of the vaccine for 4-year-olds still exists, so there is less to worry about, but it is not absolutely effective.

5.
The lesions have all crusted over, but there may still be viruses in the bloodstream, so caution is still advised.

Reply Date: 2017/02/20

More Info

When it comes to breastfeeding while a mother has chickenpox, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is highly contagious and can pose risks to individuals who have not been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s a detailed response to your questions based on medical knowledge and guidelines.

1. Can a mother with chickenpox continue breastfeeding?
Yes, a mother with chickenpox can continue to breastfeed her baby. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that breastfeeding is encouraged even if the mother has chickenpox, as the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the risks. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect the infant from infections, including chickenpox. However, it is crucial that the mother avoids direct contact with the baby’s skin lesions and practices good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and wearing a mask if necessary.

2. Could the newborn have already been infected due to the incubation period?
The incubation period for chickenpox is typically 10 to 21 days. If the mother was infected before the baby was born, there is a possibility that the baby could have been exposed to the virus through breastfeeding or close contact. However, if the mother has not shown symptoms until recently, the risk of transmission to the newborn is lower. If the baby shows any signs of chickenpox, such as a rash or fever, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

3. Should the newborn be taken for blood tests to confirm chickenpox infection?
Routine blood tests to check for chickenpox infection in a newborn are generally not necessary unless the baby shows symptoms. If the baby appears healthy and has no signs of infection, monitoring the situation is usually sufficient. If the baby develops symptoms, then a healthcare provider may recommend testing or further evaluation.

4. Does the four-year-old child need to be isolated from the mother?
Since the four-year-old has received the chickenpox vaccine, they are likely protected against severe disease. However, it is still advisable to monitor the child for any symptoms of chickenpox, as breakthrough infections can occur, albeit usually in a milder form. The child does not necessarily need to be isolated but should be kept informed about hygiene practices, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact with the mother’s lesions.

5. Should the mother continue to isolate herself while in the crusted stage?
Once the chickenpox lesions have crusted over, the individual is no longer contagious. The CDC states that a person with chickenpox is considered non-contagious once all lesions have crusted. Therefore, if you are in the crusted stage, you do not need to continue isolating yourself from your family. However, it is still wise to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent any potential spread of the virus.

In summary, a mother with chickenpox can safely continue breastfeeding, provided she maintains good hygiene and avoids direct contact with the baby’s skin lesions. It is essential to monitor the health of both the newborn and the four-year-old child for any signs of infection and consult healthcare professionals as needed. The benefits of breastfeeding, including the transfer of antibodies, can provide significant protection to the infant during this time.

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