- Average risk of acquiring HIV through breastmilk is
at least 16%
- According to WHO:
- risk can be eliminated
if a safe, ongoing and clean alternative method of
bottlefeeding is available
- risk may be reduced
if breastfeeding is limited to the first 6 months
Providers can help these mothers
decide whether the risks of breastfeeding outweigh the
proven benefits
|
|
Source: Nduati R., 2000.
Slide 19
|
Special consideration must be given to the decision to breastfeed
if a mother is HIV-positive, since the virus may pass to the
infant during breastfeeding in some cases. The average risk
of acquiring HIV infection through breastmilk is at least 16
percent.
According to WHO, an HIV-positive mother can eliminate the
risk of HIV transmission through breastmilk by using infant
formula, modified animal milks or boiled expressed breastmilk.
However, she must have access to a sufficient, ongoing and clean
supply of this alternative form of milk. If there is no safe
alternative form of milk, an HIV-positive mother should only
give her infant breastmilk. She should not mix breastfeeding
with use of other foods or milk replacements that are not safe.
According to WHO, limiting breastfeeding to the first six months
may also reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Health-care providers
should counsel HIV-positive mothers and help them decide whether
the risks of breastfeeding outweigh the proven benefits.
|
