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Infant Hepatitis C Concerns
My son's girlfriend has Hepatitis C. My grandson was born last June 2006. Her doctor said it was okay for her to breastfeed and she did. My grandson just had his first Hepatitis C test and they say he is testing positive for the Hepatitis C antibody. We are extremely worried. He is only 22 pounds and does not have an ounce of fat on him. What is going to happen to him? There is no cure, is there? Will he get progressively worse? Is it possible he contracted it because of the breastfeeding? Or was it through birth? Can he lead a normal life?
Yes, lets hope this baby will not be infected, but I also hope that someone else who might be thinking about breast feeding will weigh it all. "Bleeding out" I really don't know what to say about that because I don't understand how someone can say that,,,- an open cut is an open cut in my book, plus doctors have already said that if the mother has cracked nipples there is a risk. My point is that if the odds were even as low as 1% for a baby to contract it during breast feeding that would be enough for me to say "no way I wouldn't put a child in that situation." My thoughts are why would anyone take that chance and especially with a disease that doctors still don't have all the answers and at anytime they can say they were wrong. Others can and do say "I totally disagree with Myown and as far as I am concerned, that's fine with me- to each his own. I'm not a card carrying member of the ACLU so I do believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. I am not directing my comments about breast feeding to this woman that opened the thread. I am making a general statement. As you and others have said none of your children contracted it, and if a person feels confident with their decision because of the doctor giving them the green light and because others have shared personal experiences that worked out fine, then they should feel confident with their choice I guess. But there are mothers whose children have contracted it and they let us know and IMO that shouldn't be kept secret as to not cause panic or whatever the reason. Some may be contemplating breast feeding and everything should be in the open so that they themselves can make their own choice.
Now as far you and others saying the babies are born with the antibodies. I would appreciate if you or someone could explain that to me- really- because I honestly don't understand that and would like to know. The reason I say this is because I do know that a womans blood never enters a baby while in the womb. Many of us don't even have the same blood type as our mothers. So how does the baby wind up with hep c antibodies if its only blood to blood? Is it during delivery this happens? It might be a stupid question but I really don't know the answer and would like to know.
PS I do agree with you that the poster's grandchild will be fine. As you stated this isn't a death sentence, plus I'm sure *real cure* will be here hopefully soon.
Now as far you and others saying the babies are born with the antibodies. I would appreciate if you or someone could explain that to me- really- because I honestly don't understand that and would like to know. The reason I say this is because I do know that a womans blood never enters a baby while in the womb. Many of us don't even have the same blood type as our mothers. So how does the baby wind up with hep c antibodies if its only blood to blood? Is it during delivery this happens? It might be a stupid question but I really don't know the answer and would like to know.
PS I do agree with you that the poster's grandchild will be fine. As you stated this isn't a death sentence, plus I'm sure *real cure* will be here hopefully soon.
I know you mean well. And I respect your opinion, but,,, (saw that comming I bet) .. When newer poster asks such a question, I would have handled it as above by others. First responses from me is: A. HepC is blood borne, not other body fluids. B. There are others with first hand expierience that will tell there side. C. talk to a good hepitologist if needed D. Do not blame the mother.
People come here for support more than criticisms.-
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Livindabest,
You're absolutely right I do mean well and I'm sure you do too. As far as supporting the poster- my opening line was to her, which was supportive. The rest of my thread was directed to the forum. If pointing to an article which states that hep c IS found in breast milk is non- supportive thats your opinion and whoever elses opinion who may agree with you, including the woman that opened the thread. Making a statement that a baby can bite a mother and possibly contract the virus is truth and should not be viewed as negative or non supportive. People need to question their doctors more when doctors make '"Ridiculous" statements such as "only if your nipples are cracked will you put the baby at risk." I would have flipped out in the office if a doctor told me that and then expected my answer to be "Oh okay doctor that sounds like I can breast feed with no problem then and just keep my fingers crossed I don't bleed a microscopic drop. I'm sure I'll see it doctor I have x-ray vision just like superman." I know that sounds sarcastic but I think everyone should be more concerned about the 'ridiculous' than the 'sarcastic.'
People come here for support more than criticisms.-
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Livindabest,
You're absolutely right I do mean well and I'm sure you do too. As far as supporting the poster- my opening line was to her, which was supportive. The rest of my thread was directed to the forum. If pointing to an article which states that hep c IS found in breast milk is non- supportive thats your opinion and whoever elses opinion who may agree with you, including the woman that opened the thread. Making a statement that a baby can bite a mother and possibly contract the virus is truth and should not be viewed as negative or non supportive. People need to question their doctors more when doctors make '"Ridiculous" statements such as "only if your nipples are cracked will you put the baby at risk." I would have flipped out in the office if a doctor told me that and then expected my answer to be "Oh okay doctor that sounds like I can breast feed with no problem then and just keep my fingers crossed I don't bleed a microscopic drop. I'm sure I'll see it doctor I have x-ray vision just like superman." I know that sounds sarcastic but I think everyone should be more concerned about the 'ridiculous' than the 'sarcastic.'
How do you almost cut your lip off with a lawnmower? That's what I'd like to know, b/c I have an almost impossible mental image...
LoL... I understand you COMPLETELY... & I also KNOW that you are not directing this towards the poster... that this is just generalized discussion!
Okay, first of all.. had I of KNOWN what hepatitis C was... (much less that I had it)..... as paranoid as I am... I might not of done it either....but not having ever even heard of hep c... it wasn't a concern... That was then, this is NOW!
So I really Do Understand!
Okay, the rest of this stuff gets a little technical & tricky & I probably don't have the knowledge to explain it correctly!
It's my understanding that antibodies are transferred to the FETUS during the third trimester... meaning ones doesn't even have to breastfeed for that transfer to take place... that it would regardless.. they actually transfer thru the umbilical cord... the antibodies do cross thru the placenta... (Please somebody correct me if I am wrong)... but it's a natural process & what gives & helps the babies their initial immune system ...
Ya know, I am really Over my head on the technicalities of this, but I am trying..LoL...
It makes more sense actually that this is happening when the child is a FETUS, vs thru breastfeeding since the virus is not known to be in other bodily fluids..
But rmember.. we are talking ANTIBODIES... not full blown Active Virus with Viral Load... just like even though we get SVR... we'll ALWAYS Carry the antibodies... (so if I were to get get pregnant right now) FIGURATIVELY Speaking... & lets say I am SVR... & have been for 5 years even.... then that baby is STILL going to get my antibodies.. even If I don't breastfeed!
Does that make sense??? LoL
Okay, first of all.. had I of KNOWN what hepatitis C was... (much less that I had it)..... as paranoid as I am... I might not of done it either....but not having ever even heard of hep c... it wasn't a concern... That was then, this is NOW!
So I really Do Understand!
Okay, the rest of this stuff gets a little technical & tricky & I probably don't have the knowledge to explain it correctly!
It's my understanding that antibodies are transferred to the FETUS during the third trimester... meaning ones doesn't even have to breastfeed for that transfer to take place... that it would regardless.. they actually transfer thru the umbilical cord... the antibodies do cross thru the placenta... (Please somebody correct me if I am wrong)... but it's a natural process & what gives & helps the babies their initial immune system ...
Ya know, I am really Over my head on the technicalities of this, but I am trying..LoL...
It makes more sense actually that this is happening when the child is a FETUS, vs thru breastfeeding since the virus is not known to be in other bodily fluids..
But rmember.. we are talking ANTIBODIES... not full blown Active Virus with Viral Load... just like even though we get SVR... we'll ALWAYS Carry the antibodies... (so if I were to get get pregnant right now) FIGURATIVELY Speaking... & lets say I am SVR... & have been for 5 years even.... then that baby is STILL going to get my antibodies.. even If I don't breastfeed!
Does that make sense??? LoL
I got hepatitis C in 1981. My 3 children were born between 1984 and 1995. The last one with a C-section. All 3 were breastfed, for a period ranging from 14 months to 21 months. The oldest one bit my nipple once so blood came through the cut. None of them caught hep C. The doctors told me hep C is not contagious through breastfeeding. I would brestfeed again today, it is such a wonderful experience for both the mother and the child.
And yes, I remember being told not to test my youngest for hep C until he was at least 18 months, because before that he would carry my antibodies.
And yes, I remember being told not to test my youngest for hep C until he was at least 18 months, because before that he would carry my antibodies.
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