International Board of Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Practice Exam

Is hepatitis C a contraindication for breastfeeding?

1. Yes, it is always contraindicated

2. No, but precautions should be taken if there are cracked nipples

3. Only if the mother is symptomatic

4. Yes, if the baby is premature

The correct answer is: No, but precautions should be taken if there are cracked nipples

Hepatitis C is not considered a contraindication for breastfeeding. Current guidelines indicate that mothers who are hepatitis C positive can breastfeed safely, as the hepatitis C virus is not transmitted through breast milk. However, precautions should be taken, particularly in cases where there are cracked or bleeding nipples, as this could potentially allow for the virus to be transmitted through direct contact with blood. Taking these precautions ensures a safer breastfeeding experience while minimizing potential risks to the infant. When evaluating the other options presented, it's essential to recognize that the virus itself does not pose a direct threat through breastfeeding, which negates the idea that it is always contraindicated or only contraindicated under certain symptomatic conditions. Additionally, the status of the baby being premature does not change the ability for a mother with hepatitis C to breastfeed, as the focus remains on the mother’s condition and the precautions needed regarding breast integrity.