Reuters is reporting that the WHO recommendations for breastfeeding while HIV+ have changed and the changes seem to be fairly significant. (read full article) I have several friends living and working in areas where the HIV infection rates are staggering and so I wanted to point to this information as quickly as possible since I know it’s important internationally.
The WHO has its recommendations posted here.
“In the new recommendations, we are sending a clear message that breastfeeding is a good option for every baby, even those with HIV-positive mothers, when they have access to ARVs,” – Daisy Mafubelu, WHO’s Assistant Director General for Family and Community Health.
The recommendations that matter most for breastfeeding dyads are -
1. Based on current research, for the first time, the WHO recommends that HIV-positive mothers or their infants take antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) while breastfeeding to prevent HIV transmission.
2. WHO is recommending that antiretroviral therapy (AVT) be initiated at a higher CD4 threshold of 350 cells/mm3 for all HIV-positive patients, including pregnant women.
3. WHO now recommends the use of ARVs starting at the 14th weeks of pregnancy and continuing through the end of the breastfeeding period.
4. WHO recommends that breastfeeding continue until the infant is 12 months of age, provided the HIV-positive mother or baby is taking ARVs during that period.
5. National health authorities are encouraged by WHO to identify the most appropriate infant feeding practice (either breastfeeding with ARVs or the use of infant formula) for their communities. The selected practice should then be promoted as the single standard of care.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great post at Motherwear’s breastfeeding blog!
I think it’s about time that the WHO updated the breastfeeding while HIV+ stance! I think this is very good news for many, many, many mother’s out there that know that breastfeeding is best for baby, even when HIV is involved!!!