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Statistics HIV And Children Breastfeeding

HIV AIDS and breastfeeding

Statistics HIV and children breastfeeding

Can a breastfeeding HIV positive mother infect her baby by breastfeeding?

Yes and NO, some people believe that about one third of all HIV positive children in the world have been infected through HIV and breastfeeding! Others say there is just not enough evidence to prove HIV transmission through breast milk

Can an HIV positive mother reduce the risk of transferring the disease through HIV breastfeeding ?

Some say that there is no method that is effective enough to stop the transfer of the virus, and that mothers should use formula.

The sad truth though is that in most parts of the world many mothers are faced with few options, breastfeed baby and transfer the virus or he will starve, as they don’t have the financial resources for formula and do not even have a clean water supply. Therefore in the developing countries breast feeding is not an everyday choice, but is actually the difference between life and death.

Statistics HIV and children breastfeeding

~ Interesting fact ~

UNICEF are trying to help provide alternative options to these mothers, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that all babies be breastfed for two years due to all the other health problems.

aids breastfeeding, breastfeeding and aids

So Should you be breastfeeding while HIV positive ?

If you have the finances to buy formula every month and have access to a clean water supply I would say that you should definitely refrain from breastfeeding, it is better to be safe than to be sorry later.

Get your child tested and if he is also positive it is best then to breastfeed, as breastfeeding will help keep baby healthy and strengthen his immune system.

HIV positive moms can also get donated breast milk from a milk bank or get a wet nurse to nurse baby if possible.

Statistics HIV and children breastfeeding

~ Interesting fact ~
Breastfeeding with HIV has been found to actually help slow the progression of HIV in babies who are born positive. With a lack of medical attention and testing in some areas most mothers would not know whether their child is already positive or not.

Those breast feeding and HIV positive moms that have HIV negative babies…

- These moms that are nursing with HIV must never mix feeds but should breastfeed exclusively as adding other things like water can increase baby’s chance of becoming infected

- Having cracked nipples, mastitis or open sores on the breast can increase the chance of infecting baby, so care should be taken during these times.

- Join a “AIDS and breastfeeding” support group if possible

- Early weaning or weaning at 6 months is recommended if possible.

Statistics HIV and children breastfeeding

~ Interesting fact ~
Many people believe that there is no actual proof that HIV can exist in breast milk and that telling moms to not breastfeed can actually cause more problems than solving them.