HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks our body’s immune system which leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - a disease that makes the body vulnerable to many infections. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease and can be passed from an infected individual through their body fluids. Recent studies have shown that there is a risk of transmitting HIV through breast milk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), “The best way to prevent transmission of HIV to an infant through breast milk is to not breastfeed. In the United States, where mothers have access to clean water and affordable replacement feeding, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that HIV-infected mothers completely avoid breastfeeding their infants, regardless of ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) and maternal viral load. ”

However, breastfeeding is an option in resource-limited settings such as some parts in Africa. “The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that HIV-infected mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of life and continue breastfeeding for at least 12 months, with the addition of complementary foods. These mothers should be given ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) to reduce the risk of transmission through breastfeeding.”

In the Philippines where far-flung areas do not have access to clean water, breastfeeding is the better option to prevent water-borne diseases that may cause infection or diarrhea. The mother’s breast milk still contains antibodies that can help with the infant’s immune system and other important nutrients suitable for the baby’s growth. However, the mothers should receive Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to reduce the transmission of HIV to her infant. Here are special tips or reminders for breastfeeding mothers with HIV:

1. Take care of your breasts or nipples to prevent small wounds that may lead to infection or mastitis. Small wounds can be an entry point for bacteria and can also be an exit point for infected cells with HIV to be transmitted to the Baby. Consult your doctor for early signs of infection or when experiencing breastfeeding problems.

2. Follow correct breastfeeding techniques and positions. Following proper attachment and position can make breastfeeding more effective and reduce discomfort and prevent breastfeeding problems such as sore nipples, engorged breasts and mastitis.

3. Breastfeed frequently up to 8 hours within a 24 hour period. Breastfeeding frequently can help stimulate continuous milk production and prevention of breast engorgement which can lead to mastitis when left untreated.

4. When the mother has mastitis or infection of her breasts, look for a wet nurse or donor’s breast milk from milk banks. When the mother has a breast infection, breastfeeding can still be given by another breastfeeding mother or wet nurse or a caregiver may cup feed the baby with a donor’s breastmilk. Donor breast milk can be requested from milk banks through a doctor’s recommendation.

If you are receiving HIV Antiretroviral medications, consult your doctor for the safety of these medications and for you to be guided on special recommendations regarding breastfeeding or acquiring donor breast milk. Regularly visit your nearest health center for more breastfeeding tips and for the health monitoring of both you and your baby.

/AET

References:

• Committee on Pediatric Aids. (2013). Infant feeding and transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in the United States. Pediatrics, 131(2), 391-396.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Is it safe for a mother infected with HIV to breastfeed her infant? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-special-circumstances/maternal-or-infant-illnesses/hiv.html
• Department of Health (2012). Gabay sa Nanay sa Tamang Pagpapasuso.