There was research in the last few years to show that EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding was as safe as EXCLUSIVE formula feeding in the first six months.As I understand it, the breastfeeding protects the integrity of the baby's gut, helping decrease the chance of the HIV virus getting through, but mixed feeding is a no-no because once formula damages the gut lining then the virus in the breastmilk can permeate the gut lining more readily. (IBCLCs on list please correct me if I am wrong here) I believe the current recommendation by the WHO is that HIV + mothers who live in developed countries with a guaranteed clean water supply refrain from breastfeeding, but that in underdeveloped countries BF is ok in HIV mums - the important thing is the exclusivity, and it also means abrupt weaning completely from the breast when other foods are introduced at 6months+ .
That's my take on it anyway There is discussion on this in the lactnet archives I'm sure Kirsten ----- Original Message ----- From: "Barry MacGregor" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 9:07 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] HIV and birth > Megan > I have read somewhere (I can't remember where, quite possibly on this > list???) that exclusive breastfeeding for HIV mothers is just as safe as > bottle feeding. Haven't read anything about birth though. > Sonja > > > -- > This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. > Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe. > -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
