Preserving breastfeeding practice through the HIV pandemic

Trop Med Int Health. 2007 Sep;12(9):1116-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2007.01895.x. Epub 2007 Aug 20.

Abstract

Breastfeeding, particularly for the first 6 months of life, is unquestionably the ideal way to feed most infants. However, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic has caused debate and confusion about the best way for HIV-positive mothers to feed their children. This review provides recent key findings and opinions around making breastfeeding safer for HIV-positive women, and argues for preservation of breastfeeding, as opposed to complete avoidance of breastfeeding for all HIV-positive women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding*
  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Milk, Human / virology
  • Risk Factors