If a mother has active tuberculosis (TB), what is the most appropriate recommendation concerning breastfeeding?

The most appropriate recommendation for a mother with active tuberculosis (TB) is to temporarily refrain from breastfeeding but may feed expressed milk. This approach prioritizes the health of both the mother and the infant.

Active TB is contagious, and there is a risk of transmission through respiratory droplets. When a mother is actively contagious, immediate breastfeeding could expose the infant to the bacteria. However, expressing milk allows for the infant to receive the benefits of the mother's milk while minimizing the risk of TB transmission.

During this time, it is crucial for the mother to be treated for TB and for her health to improve. Once she is no longer contagious, breastfeeding can safely resume. This strategy balances the necessity of preventing disease transmission while maintaining access to the benefits of breast milk as the mother recovers.

In contrast, exclusive breastfeeding or using formula without considering the expressed milk option does not prioritize the mother's infectious status or the implications for the infant's health. While using formula may be a valid alternative, it does not leverage the benefits of expressed breast milk during the mother's treatment period. Similarly, breastfeeding with protective measures may still pose an unacceptable risk to the infant before the mother is treated and no longer infectious.