Question

How is HIV transmitted by breastfeeding?

9 February 2008. Related: All topics, HIV transmission.

How is HIV transmitted by breast feeding?

Is HIV always found in the milk if the mother is positive?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Breastfeeding, if you are HIV-positive, is a high risk for your baby to catch HIV. This is because HIV is found breast milk at high enough levels to pass on the virus.
This is why formula feeding is recommended in Western countries, when the mother has access to clean water.

Even breastfeeding your baby occasionally can still lead to transmitting HIV. If you have been lucky enough to have access to treatment that has meant your baby in HIV-negative, it is important not to increase the risk again now.

More detail about this is included at this link.

This is part of the i-Base guide to HIV, pregnancy and women’s health.