Does breastfeeding pose any risk to the HIV -infected mother?
Only two studies have examined the association between breastfeeding and the health of HIV-infected mothers, and their findings were contradictory. WHO reviewed these studies, concluded that the results did not merit a change in current recommendations, and urged more research on the topic.All mothers should increase their food intake and eat nutrient-rich food during lactation. Breastfeeding uses energy and other nutrients that need to be replaced to keep a mother healthy. Nutritional support is particularly important for the HIV-infected mother because HIV puts an additional strain on her energy and nutrient stores and may affect her appetite.Should mothers with HIV be advised not to breastfeed? IT DEPENDS . . . IF a mother knows she is infected, and IF breastmilk substitutes are affordable and can be fed safely with clean water, and IF adequate health care is available and affordable, THEN the infants chances of survival are greater if fed artificially.
Only two studies have examined the association between breastfeeding and the health of HIV-infected mothers, and their findings were contradictory. WHO reviewed these studies, concluded that the results did not merit a change in current recommendations, and urged more research on the topic. All mothers should increase their food intake and eat nutrient-rich food during lactation. Breastfeeding uses energy and other nutrients that need to be replaced to keep a mother healthy. Nutritional support is particularly important for the HIV-infected mother because HIV puts an additional strain on her energy and nutrient stores and may affect her appetite. Should mothers with HIV be advised not to breastfeed? IT DEPENDS . . . IF a mother knows she is infected, and IF breastmilk substitutes are affordable and can be fed safely with clean water, and IF adequate health care is available and affordable, THEN the infant’s chances of survival are greater if fed artificially. HOWEVER, IF infant mortali
