Category: Infections
Question: Can a HIV positive mother breastfeed her child for how long
Answer: Hi 
The decision on breastfeeding is made in agreement with the mother the family and the doctor If the babys parents can afford to sustain the usage of formula feeds for the child for as long as the child needs it more than 6 months then not breastfeeding is an option HIV positive mothers can breastfeed the child when born is placed on drugs for a few weeks the mother is placed on drugs too usually during or before Pregnancy and if she uses her drugs well the chances it infection are almost nil They are also advised not to mix formula and breastmilk if they choose breastmilk then they must give breastmilk alone and not mix with formula this is very important
They can breastfeed for as long as 1 year exclusively for 6 months and with supplementary feeds for the next period
Speak with the doctors that manage you and discuss your breastfeeding options with them
Wish you the best