Can a tuberculosis woman breast feed a new born baby

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women with active tuberculosis (TB) not breastfeed their babies. Here's why:

  1. Risk of transmission: TB bacteria can be present in breast milk, and there is a small risk of transmission from mother to baby through breastfeeding. While the risk is low, it's still a concern, especially in areas where TB is common.
  2. TB treatment: Breastfeeding can interfere with the effectiveness of TB treatment, as the medication may not be absorbed properly by the mother's body. This could lead to treatment failure or the development of drug-resistant TB.
  3. Baby's health: Breast milk is essential for a baby's health, but if the mother has active TB, the baby may be at risk of developing TB or other infections.

However, if the mother is taking antituberculosis medication and has a negative sputum smear test (which indicates that the bacteria are not present in her respiratory secretions), the risk of transmission is significantly reduced. In these cases, the WHO and CDC recommend that the mother:

  1. Take antituberculosis medication: The mother should continue taking her antituberculosis medication as prescribed by her healthcare provider.
  2. Get a negative sputum smear test: The mother should have a negative sputum smear test to confirm that the bacteria are not present in her respiratory secretions.
  3. Use alternative feeding methods: The mother should use alternative feeding methods, such as formula or expressed breast milk from a donor, to feed her baby.

It's essential for the mother to discuss her situation with her healthcare provider and follow their guidance on breastfeeding and TB treatment. If the mother is unable to breastfeed, the healthcare provider can provide guidance on alternative feeding methods and support.

In summary, while it's generally recommended that women with active TB not breastfeed their babies, if the mother is taking antituberculosis medication and has a negative sputum smear test, the risk of transmission is reduced, and alternative feeding methods can be used.