Certified Lactation Consultant Practice Exam

It is vital for a lactation consultant to prioritize the health of both the mother and the infant when addressing concerns related to active herpes lesions. When lesions are present, particularly in both breasts, there is a significant risk of inadvertently transmitting the herpes virus to the infant through direct skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding.

The recommendation to temporarily avoid all forms of breastfeeding ensures that the infant is kept safe from potential exposure to the virus. During this time, the mother can still express milk to maintain her milk supply and then either feed the expressed milk via a bottle or another method, avoiding direct breastfeeding until the lesions have healed. This approach allows the mother to continue providing breast milk while prioritizing the health and safety of the infant.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is also an advisable step, as they can provide further guidance, assess the mother’s condition, and possibly offer antiviral medications if needed. However, the immediate action of avoiding breastfeeding is the primary recommendation to reduce the risk of transmission.