Re: [ozmidwifery] HIV and birth

[Aviva Sheb'a]

What a tragedy that this interesting conversation and its situation even exists.   In addition to the other comments, what about quality of life of babe and mother bonding/skin contact/eye contact, warmth (in all its aspects)?   aviva ----- Original Message ----- From: HELEN To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 20, 2002 11:00 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] HIV and birth Lactation consultant friend told me (months ago) that there was some evidence to suggest that Breastfeeding was safer than bottle feeding in HIV positive women in 3rd world countries.  This was due to the damaging/scouring action of formula milk on the babies intestine, thereby creating an avenue for HIV to enter the babies system.  Breastfed babies of HIV positive mothers in 3rd world countries apparently have less risk of contracting the HIV than artificially fed babes.   I wonder if Australian Mothers who are HIV positive would consciously choose to breastfeed their babies?  (against what I think is current medical opinion  i.e. that they should bottle feed). Helen Grainger