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Should HIV-positive Mothers Breast-feed?

by Medindia Content Team on Jan 16 2007 11:52 AM

In an ideal world, the answer is no, as breast milk transmission of HIV contributes substantially to infant infection.

However, in the same developing countries where the majority of HIV mother-to-child transmission takes place, breast milk is often considered the only safe and nutritious food for infants. This makes for difficult recommendations, and additional research is needed.

A new study conducted by Renaud Becquet and colleagues in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and reported in PLoS Medicine shows that if HIV-positive mothers are well supported, either of the two feeding options currently recommended (formula-only feed, or short-term breastfeeding) are likely to be equivalent in terms of the baby's chances for survival and health.

Source-Eurekalert
SRM


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