NEW 1997 Breastfeeding Answer Book on page 459-460 (available from LLLI).
"Hepatitis B is the virus that causes the lon-incubation form of viral
hepatitis, also called serum hepatitis.  Hepatits B has symptoms that are
similar to hep A, but they are usually longer lasting.  It is spread
through contact with saliva, mucus, blood, and other fulids, as well as
from contaiminated food.  It is also transmitted by sexual activity.
        If a mother has hepatitis B during pregnancy, the newborn may be
exposed to the disease by coming in contact with maternal fluids at birth.
The AAP committee on Infectious Diseases (1994) recommends that the baby be
given hepatitis B hyperimmune gamma globulin within the first 12 hours of
life, followed by 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine.  The BABY MAY BE
BREASTFED.
        If a mother contracts the illness after pregnancy, her baby (and
other members of her family should be vaccinated and BREASTFEEDING CAN
CONTINUE."

 Dr. Lawrence Gartner.  He is quoted in the BAB    "While considering the
'theoretical' risk of transmission...Studies of hep B in China many years
ago suggested that bf infants of hp B carrier mothers were less likely to
develop chronic hep than artificially fed intants.  It was believed that a
passive-active immunization occurred in these bf infants...."

I hope this helps.  I REALLY suggests getting the new BAB.  It is a
wonderful resource, being more up-to-date than any other current reference.
BTW, Gartner feels so strongly about the hepatitis issue that he is
willing to be contacted by doubting physicians.


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