Newborn varicella can KILL, and is not completely prevented by the VZIG.  The AAP "Red Book" (the Bible on infectious disease) says keep mother and baby apart until Mom is not infectious.  She does NOT get to kiss, touch or breath on her infant at delivery.  It is not breastfeeding that is the problem, it is ANY contact.  I have had a patient die of chickenpox at 2 weeks of age.  It is not something I want to see again.
 
Yes, the baby may have already been exposed, which is why you isolate the infant (with the mother when all her lesions are closed over) for 21 days (or 28 days after VZIG) so the infant will not expose other infants or children.  
 
Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Attending Neonatologist,
Children's Hospital & Health Center, and
Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Services 

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