What is the management guideline for a CMV positive mother with a term infant?

The management guideline for a CMV positive mother with a term infant is to screen the mother and thaw milk if necessary. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that can be transmitted through breast milk; however, in the majority of cases, breastfeeding by a CMV positive mother is still encouraged.

Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits to the infant, including nutrition, immunological protection, and bonding. The recommended approach is to conduct a thorough screening of the mother to assess the level of CMV viral load and determine whether any additional interventions are necessary. If the breast milk is screened for CMV, it can typically be safely provided to the infant after appropriate thawing techniques are applied to preserve the milk’s beneficial properties.

This approach allows health care providers to facilitate breastfeeding while monitoring and managing any potential risks associated with CMV transmission. Hence, supporting a mother to breastfeed while taking precautions as needed is aligned with the principles of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative that promotes the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.