HIV infected mothers who breastfeed run less risk of infecting their children
Filed under: Infant / First year, Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding seems to be an endlessly controversial topic these days. Many experts champion the health benefits associated with breastfeeding, while women who chose to bottle feed report feeling shamed, or ostracized because of their decision. And if you want to be really controversial, just try breastfeeding in public -- chances are you'll spark a national debate.
However, if you're a mom who's HIV positive, a recent study suggests that the incentive for breastfeeding your baby is enormous. Namely, that by doing so, you reduce the chances that they'll be infected with the disease.
The study, conducted by two professors from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa, suggests that babies of HIV-positive mothers who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life are less than half as likely to contract the disease than those who had formula milk in addition to breast milk -- and their odds were extremely better than those babies who'd been given solid foods.
Doctors speculate that the breastfed babies developed stronger lining in their intestines, and were thus better able to defend themselves against the disease.
While I wouldn't tell anyone woman how to care for her baby, I'm increasingly amazed at the reported benefits linked to breastfeeding. Do you chose to breastfeed your child -- why or why not?
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