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Ask A Lactation Consultant

Q. Hi. I am really serious about breastfeeding my baby. I found out today that I tested positive for GBS. I am really frightened. The nurse didn't act like it was really big deal. She said they would give me an IV with anibotics when I deliver. The information I found on the internet was startling. I love my baby already and am so frightened. Should I really be so upset about this? What are the chances that the baby will still be born with problems due to GBS with the IV? I read the people who are at high risk and I didn't see where I was high risk. Can I breastfeed still? I understood that the baby contracts GBS with direct contact with the bacteria when being delivered, so this isn't anything I have to worry about when breastfeeding, right?

A. Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed. Many many women test positive for GBS. GBS can be scary when the health care team is unaware that it is there. Since your care providers know that you have GBS, you will be treated with antibiotics during you labor and your baby will probably have some testing done when he or she is born and baby may be treated as well with antibiotics. This should have no effect on breastfeeding. As I said - many women have GBS and nurse their babies without incident. Try not to worry about it too much and best wishes to you and your baby, fewer than 2% of the babies who have mothers who are positive ever get GBS.

For more information see:

• Group B Strep Resources

Stephanie Ryan, RN, BSN, ICCE, IBCLC answers your breastfeeding questions.