Question

Can an HIV positive mother safely breastfeed her baby?

3 August 2016. Related: All topics, Children, HIV transmission.

Is it possible for a pregnant woman with HIV to breast feed the baby after it is born?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

The question of breastfeeding varies depending on where you live.

This is because of the risks of using formula feed if there is not safe water.

If you are taking HIV meds and have an undetectable viral load, the risk to you baby are so low that overall this is considered safe – especially because of benefits of the mothers milk.

In a recent study called PROMISE, the risk of transmission after six months was about 3 in 1000. This risk increased to 6 in 1000 after a year. This shows that the risk is linked to how long someone breastfeeds. See here for details.

An essential part of the study is that mothers with using HIV treatment (ART) with three drugs and that the babies were using nevirapine.

Please tell your doctor if you are worried about your own situation so that you can have this discussion in detail.