Supporting the HIV+ Mother With Breastfeeding in the United States: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction:The American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that women living with HIV (WLHIV) avoid breastfeeding or feeding their infant their own milk to eliminate the risk of HIV transmission via breast milk. Thus, lactation support for WLHIV to breastfeed has been poorly understood in high-income countries. However, the National Institutes of Health has released new perinatal HIV clinical guidelines supporting exclusive breastfeeding under specific conditions.Case Presentation:This case reviews lactation team support of a WLHIV desiring to breastfeed her infant.Management and Outcome:Cooperation and collaboration with several providers and departments through pregnancy, hospitalization, and postdelivery to provide counseling, helped this mother exclusively breastfeed her newborn for three months without vertical transmission of HIV.Discussion:Although challenging, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are uniquely positioned to support WLHIV to experience their desired breastfeeding outcome for her and her infant.