Ten safer breastfeeding rules for women living with HIV
- Tell your HIV team if you want to breastfeed – it may not be as safe as formula feeding, but they will help you make it as safe as possible for your baby.
- 100% adherence to HIV drugs.
- Stop all breastfeeding as early as possible.
Then, when should a HIV positive mother stop breastfeeding?
Background. Since 2010, the World Health Organization recommends lifelong antiretroviral treatment for all women living with HIV, and exclusive breastfeeding for six-months followed by breastfeeding until 24-months for all HIV positive mothers.
Herein, can I breastfeed if my viral load is undetectable? BHIVA guidelines recommend that HIV-positive mothers should formula feed their infants. However, they also note that women with an undetectable viral load and good adherence who opt to breastfeed should be clinically supported to do so.
Secondly, can undetectable mother breastfeed?
BHIVA guidelines
Nonetheless, women with an undetectable viral load who choose to breastfeed should be supported to do so. The guidance emphasises the importance of breastfeeding mothers remaining in close contact with their medical teams. Both mother and baby should come in for monthly testing.