Can you breastfeed if you are HIV positive?
Many moms are afraid to breastfeed in case they infect their child, but breastfeeding provides all the necessary nutrients your baby needs, as well as protection against allergies and diseases.
Since 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) has encouraged women taking antiretroviral medication (ARVs) to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of their baby’s lives. According to the WHO, “Mothers known to be HIV-infected (and whose infants are HIV uninfected or of unknown HIV status) should exclusively breastfeed their infants for the first six months of life”.
“Exclusive breastfeeding means that the infant only receives breast milk. No other liquids or solids should be given to her baby, including water, with the exception of oral rehydration solution, vitamins or medicines,” explains clinician and HIV/Aids researcher Dr Funeka Bango.
HIV-positive mothers’ breast milk contains HIV, which can be passed onto their babies. However, breast milk also contains HIV antibodies (and other essential nutrients for protection against childhood illnesses, such as gastroenteritis and respiratory infections), so this is why by taking ARVs and exclusively breastfeeding, your baby is less at risk of HIV infection from breast milk.
The WHO further recommends that mothers living with HIV should continue to breastfeed for at least 12 months, while the baby is starting on solids, and can continue breastfeeding for up to 24 months or longer. During this time, it’s imperative that mothers adhere to antiretroviral treatment.
Breastfeeding basics
Breastfeeding can be like learning to dance, says Sister Linda Britz, a registered midwife and lactation specialist at Tina Otte’s Family and Child Centre in Johannesburg. “When you start, you will be a little clumsy until both parent and baby have learnt the moves,” she says.
Breastfeeding is going well if your baby wants to feed a lot – day and night. International breastfeeding advocacy group La Leche League says exclusively breastfed infants tend to nurse at least eight times in a 24-hour period.
“Newborns feed anything from every two to four hours, on average, and at least every three hours around the clock until baby is back to birth weight,” Britz advises. Parents should watch for hunger cues – such as restlessness, fluttering eyes and mouth movements – and feed on demand in the first few weeks, says Britz.
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