HomeAnswersGeneral MedicinechickenpoxIs it safe to breast feed baby during chickenpox?

Can I breast feed during chickenpox? Is that safe for the baby?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 19, 2018
Reviewed AtNovember 17, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 22 years old, and I am a mother of four months old baby. Recently, I have got infected with chicken pox. Does breast milk transfer chicken pox to the baby? Do I need to take special care of my baby? Can I do breastfeeding now? Does it affect my child? Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

A mother who contracts chickenpox can do breastfeeding. Any vesicles present on the breast should be covered to minimize the risk of transmission. There is no evidence shown the presence of the varicella-zoster virus (Chickenpox) in breastmilk. Hence breastfeeding is safe. Breast milk does not transfer chickenpox to the baby. The doctor may prescribe Acyclovir 800 mg five times a day if consulted within 24 hours of rash onset. It reduces the time to have full crusting of lesions and reduces the number of lesions. Acyclovir can be taken during breastfeeding, it is safe. Keep your nails short to minimize the damage from scratching.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati
Dr. Bhaisara Baraturam Bhagrati

Pediatrics

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