HIV and Breastfeeding
Some studies have found that the breast milk of an HIV infected woman can contain the HIV virus, but there is uncertainty regarding whether the virus is contagious. At the present level of research it is hard to know what to do. Couple that with the fact that the number of HIV positive mothers birthing an HIV negative child and you have the makings of an intense debate. The official word from the AAP at this time is for HIV positive mothers to use an alternative source of nutrition for her child.
A woman with HIV is more likely to be infectious if she contracts the virus during or after the second trimester. If you are HIV positive and decide to nurse you will need to take extra special care of your breasts for your child is much higher risk if you are suffering from mastitis. Cracked and bleeding nipples combined with scrapes or cuts in your baby’s lips, mouth, or throat can result in transmitting the HIV virus to your child.
AZT can reduce the risk of HIV transmission during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but AZT will not prevent transmission. The combination of HIV and breastfeeding is still a very disputed topic and one that may only be solved when a cure for the infection is finally located.
Most importantly if your HIV turns into AIDS, breastfeeding is no longer an option as the risk of infection will be too great.
