# Can infections be transmitted from mother to baby during breastfeeding? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-infections-be-transmitted-from-mother-to-baby-during-breastfeeding Language: en Category: pregnancy Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.556Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.556Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/can-infections-be-transmitted-from-mother-to-baby-during-breastfeeding Most common infections are not transmitted from mother to baby through breast milk; in fact, breast milk often contains antibodies and other immune factors that may help protect the infant from infection [\[6\]](). However, there are exceptional cases where breastfeeding or breast milk may not be recommended, such as when the mother has HIV and is not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) or has not achieved sustained viral suppression [\[4\]](). It is always essential to consult a healthcare provider to assess the individual situation, as many mothers with infections can continue to breastfeed safely after taking the necessary precautions or receiving appropriate treatment [\[4\]](). ## Distinguishing Between Modes of Transmission It is important to differentiate between infections that may occur during pregnancy or childbirth and those transmitted via breastfeeding or direct contact after birth. For example, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria can be transmitted to the infant while passing through the birth canal, causing early-onset GBS disease [\[2\]](). An infant can also contract the infection after birth through contact with people carrying GBS, leading to late-onset GBS disease [\[2\]](). GBS is not transmitted through breast milk. Pregnant women are screened for this bacteria between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, and if the result is positive, the mother is given intravenous antibiotics during labor to reduce the risk of infant infection [\[2\]](). Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of the source of infection is key to determining the correct preventive measure. ## Breastfeeding While Having an Infection In certain cases, a mother may need to temporarily stop breastfeeding or take special measures. For example, if a mother has untreated active tuberculosis, she should temporarily stop breastfeeding but can provide expressed breast milk. She may resume breastfeeding after appropriate treatment for two weeks and after a physician documents that she is no longer infectious [\[4\]](). In the case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) with lesions (sores) on the breast, the mother may breastfeed directly from the unaffected breast if the lesions on the affected breast are completely covered to avoid transmission [\[4\]](). Regarding medications, although many pass into breast milk, most have no known harmful effect on milk supply or the infant's well-being [\[4\]](). However, healthcare providers must always weigh the risks and benefits when prescribing medications to breastfeeding mothers [\[4\]](). To learn more about general preventive measures during this period, you can view [Common Infections During Pregnancy in Jordan (Arabic)](). ## COVID-19 and Breastfeeding Current evidence indicates that breast milk is not a source of transmission for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 [\[6\]](). Breastfeeding mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 can continue breastfeeding while taking hygiene precautions, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status [\[6\]](). These precautions include washing hands with soap and water before touching the baby or expressing breast milk, considering wearing a mask when in close contact with the infant, and cleaning and disinfecting breast pumps and all infant feeding equipment [\[6\]](). If the mother is too ill to breastfeed her baby directly, she should be encouraged to express her milk regularly to maintain milk supply, and the expressed milk can be given to the infant by another caregiver [\[6\]](). ## When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care for the Infant? The infant should be monitored closely in the first weeks, especially if the mother has or had an infection during the perinatal period. Signs requiring emergency medical intervention include: bluish skin discoloration (cyanosis) or pallor, breathing difficulties (such as nasal flaring, grunting, rapid breathing, or short periods without breathing), an irregular or abnormal heart rate (too fast or too slow), lethargy, poor feeding, or unstable body temperature (low or high) [\[2\]](). These symptoms may indicate that the infant has a serious infection such as Group B Streptococcus sepsis, and require immediate medical examination and procedures such as blood analysis or cultures to ensure their safety [\[2\]](). ## Medical references - [Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn]() - [Contraindications to Breastfeeding | Breastfeeding special circumstances | CDC]() - [COVID-19 and Breastfeeding | Breastfeeding special circumstances | CDC]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/can-infections-be-transmitted-from-mother-to-baby-during-breastfeeding#answer