The role of exclusive breastfeeding during the puerperial period in prevention of mother to child transmision of HIV

Abstract

Mother to child transmission is defined as the transmission of HIV infection from an infected mother to her baby vertically (transplacental), intranatally, or by breastfeeding. If practiced strictly in conjunction with the recommended regimen of ARV therapy, exclusive breastfeeding in the puerperal period plays a positive role in the PMTCT of HIV infection, therefore HIV positive mothers are permitted to administer exclusive breastfeeding to their babies in this case. If exclusive breastfeeding won’t be possible, breastfeeding should be avoided completely, and use of high quality formula should be ensured.