Can a mother with hepatitis B breastfeed her baby?

Question
Hello doctor,
I have hepatitis B. So can you please tell me if a mother with hepatitis B can breastfeed? Thank you.
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Specialist I Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “Can a mother with hepatitis B breastfeed her baby? ”, the doctor would like to answer as follows:
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause acute and chronic hepatitis. You can still breastfeed if you have hepatitis B. You need to clean the breast before feeding, to avoid scratching and bleeding.
If you still have questions about whether a mother with hepatitis B can breastfeed her baby, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wishing you lots of health.
Best regards!