Question:

I am a student at Canterbury University. I am conducting a research project and would like to know if you could answer a question of mine.

When an HIV person becomes pregnant they are instantly are put on anti viral which brings the HIV level down to an undetectable level. So why is breastfeeding not encouraged? To me this does not make sense as being on anti viral is bringing the risk of admission down to an absolute minimum so surely breast feeding would be safe. I would love a response and am waiting eagerly.

Answer provided by:

Donna Sweet, M.D., MACP
Professor of Internal Medicine
University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita

When an HIV+ woman becomes pregnant, she is not automatically placed on medication. She is placed on drugs at the beginning of the second trimester unless there are other reasons (for her health) for beginning the medication earlier.

We do not encourage breastfeeding within the developed world because even when an HIV+ Mother is on antiretrovirals and her viral load is undetectable in the blood, there is no guarantee that the level in breast milk is undetectable. Similarly, we don't promote antiretroviral therapy for prevention purposes because even if HIV is undetectable in blood, there is no guarantee it is undetectable in sexual secretions. Since adequate nutrition is available for the newborn in this country even without breastfeeding, we want to protect the baby from any possible risk in breast milk.

071123
ASKD071103

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980,2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.