A pregnant client tests positive for hepatitis B. What understanding does she demonstrate by expressing her plan to breast-feed after vaccination?

A positive test for hepatitis B during pregnancy can be concerning for both the mother and the newborn; however, current guidelines from health organizations support breastfeeding even when a mother is positive for the hepatitis B virus (HBV), provided that the infant has received appropriate vaccinations and immunoglobulin within the first 12 hours of life. When the mother expresses a plan to breast-feed after the infant has been vaccinated against hepatitis B, it demonstrates her understanding that breastfeeding can be safe under these conditions.

Breastmilk itself does not transmit the hepatitis B virus, and with the necessary precautions taken—such as vaccinating the newborn—the benefits of breastfeeding, including nutritional, immunological, and bonding advantages, can continue with minimal risk. This understanding indicates that she is informed about the virus's impact and the protective measures in place for her baby, which allows her to make an educated decision about breastfeeding.