Relation between HIV and Infant Feeding - A Review Article

Abstract

Breast feeding increases the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child. Transmission through breast feeding is associated with increased maternal viral load in plasma and breast milk. Modern medical science suggests HIV infected women should give breast milk with accompanying prophylactic antiretroviral therapy to lower the risk of HIV transmission. According to Ayurveda, mother with vitiated breast milk should avoid breast feeding as it is responsible for developing many diseases in the child.