A word from the gastroenterologist!

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted by fecal oral route (that
means that if you go to the bathroom and dont was your hands you will
pass it on to someone) or from contaminated raw fruits and veggies
(contaminated water with fecal matters used to wash veggies you eat
raw).  This is not the same as hepatitis B.  Because of the mode of
transmission (note NOT via body fluids) the breastfed baby has an advantaged
because of maternal IGA in the milk which will protect the baby up to a
certain extent.  If a mother has hepatitis A (is jaundiced) at the time of
delivery, her baby should receive Hepatitis A Immuneglobulin.  This
recommendation can be found in the Red Book which is the official
standard of care set by the committe on infectious diseases of the AAP.
It is also mentioned that breastfeeding should not be with held  but that
proper hygiene should be observed (good hand washing).

Please Email me privately if there is any further concerns.

Maryelle Vonlanthen,MD