Can a mother with HIV breastfeed her infant?

Prepare for the Certified Lactation Consultant Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In the context of HIV-positive mothers and breastfeeding, the guidance from health organizations typically emphasizes that breastfeeding is generally not recommended for mothers who are HIV-positive, especially in developed countries where safe infant formula feeding is available. This is primarily due to the risk of HIV transmission through breast milk. HIV can be present in breast milk, potentially exposing the infant to the virus, which can lead to transmission and ultimately pose serious health risks to the child.

While there are specific scenarios and guidelines in certain regions where the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) might allow for breastfeeding under close medical supervision, the consensus remains cautious. In settings where access to clean water and formula is safe and available, avoiding breastfeeding altogether is prioritized to ensure the infant's safety.

Thus, the option that states breastfeeding is not recommended aligns with these health recommendations, making it the correct choice in this scenario.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy