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Women with HIV can now breastfeed their babies as long as they are taking medications that effectively suppress the virus that causes AIDS, according to an updated guideline published in a new clinical report. The guideline is a policy change from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the top pediatrician group in the country. The AAP still recognizes that replacement feeding, such as formula or donor human milk, is the only option to prevent postnatal transmission of HIV completely.

The organization said that HIV-positive women interested in breastfeeding after pregnancy should initiate ARTs before or early in pregnancy. The medication must keep the viral load below 50 copies per milliliter, which indicates sustained viral suppression. In addition to suggesting that these breastfeeding women take ARTs, the guidelines recommend that infants be fed exclusively breast milk for the first six months.



The AAP noted that research shows that switching between breast milk and formula can disrupt an infant’s gut integrity, affecting its susceptibility to infections. The report also highlighted that abrupt weaning is associated with a higher risk of HIV transmission, as the viral load is higher following abrupt weaning. The NIH stated in its January 2023 update that breastfeeding by women with HIV may be permitted as long as they are taking ARTs and have sustained, undetectable viral loads throughout pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Additionally, the NIH notes that it is �.

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