Hi everyone,

As far as not breastfeeding when a mom tests positive or is a carrier (sorry
this is lacking the precise terminology), has anyone considered Asian
populations?  My husband is Vietnamese, and my understanding is that it is
"normal " for Asian people to test positive ------what I mean to say is they
do not necessarily have the disease, but they test positive----for the
antibodies---am I correct?

My husband did have Hep B when he was younger.  Years later when he entered
the military, a blood test was positive---I am assuming for the antibodies.
 The military treated him as if he was HIV positive during dental cleanings.
 My OB (I was pregnant at this time) said I need not worry.  Fast forward a
few more years, he no longer tests positive.  I understand that this is
normally what eventually happens, but I do know that two of his sisters
continue to test positive.

Anyway, I am finally getting to the point,  Asian cultures normally
breastfeed---unless western influence is strong.  There is no harm to the
baby as far as I know.

Because of the large Asian population, I am sure Hawai'i was one of the first
states to be on the Hep B immunization bandwagon.

I welcome ant information or comments.

Aloha,
Gloria Thai     LLL of Hawai'i