Isn't breast-feeding better?
All over the world breast milk is considered to be best for all babies. This is unfortunately not the case for the babies of mothers who are HIV positive. According to WHO guidelines, it is better – under controlled circumstances – to offer formula to those babies of HIV mothers. This can only be done under very strict conditions, as listed here below. We have also listed our experiences with supplying formula. If, upon reading this information, you have any questions we can always be contacted via email at info@givemilkstopaids.org
- Give Milk follows the WHO guidelines; this means that formula is guaranteed to be available at all times and issued in a safe and well instructed manner.
- After extensive instruction, mothers in the programme choose personally for bottle or breast.
- No formula will be provided where there is doubt over a safe feeding regime (for instance doubts about hygiene, or not following instructions correctly).
- The mothers come every 2 or 3 months for a check-up, and the instructions are repeated.
- With the help of (sometimes unplanned) home visits, checks are made on how the formula is made up.
- Formula distribution is discontinued when it becomes apparent that mixed feeding is used ( breast feeds combined with formula). It has been scientifically proven that breast milk combined with other feeds entails a higher risk of the transference of HIV.
- Women choosing to breast-feed are supported in the same way as women receiving formula (medical care, follow-up, psychosocial support).
- Breast-feeding women are advised to do this exclusively for 3-6 months and then abruptly stop. When they do this, formula will then be issued. Formula distribution will be discontinued when it is apparent that mixed feeding is used (as above).
Experiences at The Apostolic Hospital of Banga Bakundu, Cameroon:
- Women choosing to bottle feed are generally those women who have a reasonable acceptance of their HIV diagnosis.
- Breast-feeding women often continue until the child is 24 months old.
- It appears that breast-feeding women do not to stop abruptly after 3-6 months, despite repeated advice and instruction.
- It appears that breast-feeding women often start offering other food from 3 months (meaning there is mixed feeding).
- It is therefore (see above) practically impossible to have the women breast-feed for 3-6 months.
- Despite the points above, HIV positive women continue to be extensively advised and both options are presented.
