An HIV-positive mother can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding - this is often referred to as ‘vertical transmission’. Certain factors that may reduce the risk of transmission from mother-to-baby - these include taking anti-HIV therapy during pregnancy and delivery, an elected Caesarean section and not breastfeeding where there is access to safe, adequate milk substitutes. Breastfeeding should be avoided because the HIV virus is present in breast milk. Also, it is not uncommon for mothers to experience cracked or bleeding nipples while breastfeeding.
Mothers who are HIV-positive should not donate breast milk to breast milk banks, neither should they express milk to be bottle-fed to their baby.
where there is access to safe, adequate milk substitutes. Breastfeeding should be avoided because the HIV virus is present in breast milk. Also, it is not uncommon for mothers to experience cracked or bleeding nipples while breastfeeding.