Can a Hepatitis B carrier breastfeed?

Breast milk is rich in nutrients and antigens. It is the most natural, safest and complete natural food for babies in their growth stage. However, there are many mothers who are carriers of hepatitis B virus. Can hepatitis B virus carriers be breastfed exclusively? Let us listen carefully to what authoritative experts have to say.

Can a hepatitis B virus carrier exclusively breastfeed? Regarding this issue, experts believe that: At present, there are still disputes in the medical community about whether hepatitis B virus carriers can be breastfed, but most experts believe that as long as the pregnant mother's condition is stable (liver function remains normal for more than half a year), the hepatitis B virus DNA is negative (hepatitis B virus DNA measurement value is <1000 copies/ml or <103 cubed), and the pregnant mother's nipples are not damaged or bleeding, the baby's oral mucosa is not damaged, and the newborn has been vaccinated with hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine as required, then hepatitis B virus carriers can be breastfed.

On the other hand, if the condition of the hepatitis B virus carrier is not stable (abnormal liver function, elevated transaminase or high bilirubin, etc.), the hepatitis B virus DNA is positive (hepatitis B virus DNA measurement value >1000 copies/ml or >103 cubed), or the patient's nipples are damaged or bleeding, or the baby's oral mucosa is damaged, the hepatitis B virus carrier should completely abandon breastfeeding and switch to formula feeding.

In general, whether hepatitis B virus carriers can be breastfed depends mainly on the actual condition, but it is worth noting that studies have found that hepatitis B virus can be detected in the lotion and saliva of hepatitis B virus carriers. Therefore, for safety reasons, hepatitis B virus carriers are advised to abandon exclusive breastfeeding and switch to formula feeding.