Feeding practices of HIV-1-infected mothers: the role of counsellors

Abstract

In this issue of Acta Paediatrica, Chopra et al. report that voluntary counselling is central to preparing mothers for making a proper informed choice about adequate feeding practices to prevent their infants from acquiring HIV infection. The recommendations given and the way in which counselling is performed are the most important determinants of a mother's decision about how to feed her infant. In this article, we summarize the main arguments for and against breastfeeding by HIV-infected mothers.

Conclusions: Further studies are needed to determine the alternatives to breastfeeding in countries where there is no access to safe formula feeding or to antiretroviral drugs. HIV-positive mothers should be made aware of the available feeding alternatives through adequate counselling from properly trained persons.