Yes, you can breastfeed. There is no spread of this virus in the breastmilk (according to the CDC 2003 report on infectious diseases – page 334)

Hepatitis B & C is caused by a virus and is spread by contaminated blood products, sexual contact, dirty needles, getting a tattoo from a guy named Vinnie in the alley behind the liquor store… In contrast, Hepatitis A is spread in contaminated water or food, such as the fast food joint where Vinnie doesn’t wash his hands before he flips your burger.

Most people that have Hepatitis B or C caught it many years ago from receiving blood products before we learned how to test blood samples for this.

Can Hep B be spread to a baby in the womb? Yes, but the chance is less than 2%. Transmission is much more likely DURING delivery – approx 70%. When the baby is born to a mom with Hep B, baby will be given an injection of HBiG (anti-body’s against Hep B) as well as a Hep B vaccine. This will fight off any virus that did get passed to the baby and reduce his chances of developing a long-term infection.

Only 5% of babies will develop Hep C infection from the mother, but there are no current preventative measures for the baby.

With either Hepatitis B or C, baby will be tested little later in life, around 12-18 months, for evidence of infection. Even if positive at that point, there is still a chance that your child will NOT progress to active hepatitis – i.e., it can lie dormant and never cause any problems.