American Academy of Pediatrics Reverses Recommendations on Breastfeeding for Women with HIV
The American Academy of Pediatrics has announced a significant policy shift regarding breastfeeding for women living with HIV. This change comes after recommendations that have been in place since the 1980s have been reversed. The new policy states that women with HIV can breastfeed their children as long as they are taking medications that effectively suppress the virus that causes AIDS.
Benefits of Breastfeeding with HIV Medication
Lead author of the report, Lisa Abuogi, emphasized the importance of the benefits for both the mother and the baby due to the effectiveness of current medications. She highlighted the need for shared decision-making in this regard.
Risks of HIV Transmission through Breast Milk
While antiretroviral treatment medications reduce the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk, it does not eliminate it entirely. Abuogi pointed out that the only foolproof way to prevent the virus from spreading is to avoid breastfeeding altogether.
Exclusive Breastfeeding for Newborns
Studies suggest that alternating between breast milk and formula can disrupt an infant’s digestive system and increase the risk of HIV infection. Therefore, parents are advised to exclusively breastfeed their newborns for the first six months of their lives.
Public Health Recommendations in the US
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ new guidelines align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. They suggest providing choices counseling to individuals with suppressed viruses and advise against involving child protective services if a parent with HIV chooses to breastfeed.
Importance of Breastfeeding for Infant Health
Studies show that breastfeeding provides infants with optimal nutrition and protection against various diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
World Health Organization’s Position
While the World Health Organization has supported access to antiretroviral medication and breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers in developing countries, experts caution against breastfeeding in developed nations where clean water, formula, and human donor milk are readily available to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission.