[pronut-hiv] South Africa: HIV Positive Moms Can Breastfeed Too, Says Health Department

["ProNut-HIV" <pronut-hiv@healthnet.org>]

South Africa: HIV Positive Moms Can Breastfeed Too, Says Health
Department

BuaNews (Tshwane)
August 3, 2006
Sharon Hammond And Simphiwe Mkhabela
Nelspruit

Mothers with living with HIV can safely breastfeed their babies for the
first six months of infancy, says Limpopo health and Social services
spokesperson Phuti Seloba.

He said breastfeeding remained best for the healthy growth and
development of all babies.

"We need to protect women from malicious advertising that says infant
formula is the only option for HIV positive mothers.

"The fact is that it's safe for women living with HIV to breastfeed for
up to six months. Thereafter, they can switch to formula."

He said mothers who did not have HIV were advised to breastfeed their
babies until they were two years of age.

Mr Seloba said departmental MEC Seaparo Sekoati would inform women of
their choices at an event in Lepelle Nkumpi near Polokwane on Friday as
part of World Breastfeeding Week.

World Breastfeeding Week runs from August 1 to 7.

According to a study done by University of KwaZulu-Natal paediatrics
professor, Anna Coutsoudis, it is safe for HIV positive mothers to
breastfeed their children for up to six months, as long as they don't
combine this with infant formula.

Mixed feeding introduces allergens and contaminants into the baby's gut,
which could cause inflammation and thus make it easier for the HI virus
to pass from mother to child, she explains.

Ms Coutsoudis said the risk of HIV transmission was even less if babies
were fed exclusively on breast milk until three months.

Meanwhile, Mr Sekoati, raised awareness in Botlokwa about oral hygiene
on Thursday as part of Oral Health Awareness Month.

"Oral diseases appear to be increasing in many sectors of the South
African population, especially in disadvantaged and urbanising
communities," said Mr Seloba.