Attention when raising children born to mothers with HIV/AIDS

According to the recommendation of a specialist, when feeding a child born to an HIV-positive mother, the child should be exclusively fed with alternative milk sources. Because if babies are fed breast milk infected with HIV, the chance of infection is very high, accounting for about 30%. 1. Can an HIV-infected mother breastfeed?

Breast milk is the best food for infants and young children, because breast milk contains nutrients and antibodies that help children have better resistance. However, it is not recommended for babies born to HIV-infected mothers. Because breastfeeding from an HIV-positive mother is one of three ways of transmitting HIV to her baby (2 ways of HIV transmission from mother to child are during pregnancy and during delivery).
It is estimated that 5-20% of infants who are exclusively breastfed will transmit HIV from their mothers; when babies are breastfed and eat substitute foods for up to 6 months, the infection rate is 25-35%; Extend breastfeeding to 18-24 months the infection rate is 30-45%.
The cause of HIV virus transmission during breastfeeding is because HIV in breast milk can penetrate through the mucous membranes of the infant's mouth and tongue and infect the baby, especially in the case of an infection in the baby's body. mouth. Or in cases where the mother's breast has an infection, a crack, or when a baby is biting a tooth that causes bleeding, HIV can enter the baby's mouth through the blood, penetrate the mucosa and cause HIV infection to the baby.

Accordingly, the solution to feed children of HIV-infected mothers to prevent the risk of HIV transmission from mother to child, organizations related to child rearing recommend that mothers should choose alternative foods. Alternative milks include:
Formula : Although not as good as breast milk, formula milk has similar nutrients to breast milk, so experts recommend using it to replace breast milk when available. HIV-infected mother. Whole milk powder and freeze-dried milk: The micronutrients in milk meet the needs but are not as balanced as breast milk. However, it can still be used as a substitute for breastfeeding. Homemade milk from cattle: For example, sheep's milk, cow's milk, goat's milk. The composition of nutrients is often lacking, especially micronutrients, so experts recommend limiting the use of these two types of milk. In the case of ineligibility to raise children with HIV-infected mothers as above, HIV-infected mothers can choose to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first 6 months and at least 3 months to receive nutrients and recommendations. resistance from the mother. However, the chance of transmitting HIV in breast milk to the baby is about 15-20%. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the baby, HIV-infected mothers should do the following:
Exclusive breastfeeding when mother and child do not have signs of skin and oral infections. If there is a need for treatment, then breastfeed the baby. When there are conditions for complementary feeding, children must stop breastfeeding completely, then switch to complementary foods and drink more formula for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding with HIV-treated breast milk: Express the milk and boil it at 100 degrees to kill the HIV virus, then immediately refrigerate it and feed it to the baby. Breastfeeding: This helps reduce the risk of HIV infection in babies and helps babies enjoy the sweet milk and nutrients found in breast milk. However, when applying this method, it is necessary to ensure that the person who breastfeeds the baby directly is completely healthy and does not have HIV infection. Note: Absolutely do not feed infants with a combination of breast-feeding and replacement milk because it increases the risk of transmission to the child, increasing the risk of death by 6 times due to infection of the child.

HIV in pregnant women can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Without treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, for every 100 pregnant HIV-infected mothers, 35 babies will be born with mother-to-child transmission of HIV. But with preventive treatment, only about 5 babies are born with this disease from their mothers. Therefore, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission is very important.

Carry out full pre and post HIV testing counseling in pregnant women ; Counseling on nutrition during pregnancy and postpartum nutrition; Counseling on the risks and possible disadvantages of pregnancy, childbirth and the future rearing and care of children; Counseling and mental support, implementing safe behaviors to avoid HIV infection for yourself and those around you. Training on ARV treatment readiness and ARV drug adherence practice.

Ensure aseptic principles in obstetrics. Limiting procedures such as amniotomy, caesarean section, electrode placement, early amniotomy. Bathe the baby immediately after birth.

Dispensing a full dose of ARV drugs to the mother if the mother and child are discharged from the hospital early. Forward the case to an adult HIV care and treatment facility for the mother to receive long-term care and treatment. To avoid unwanted dangerous consequences for pregnant women with HIV/AIDS, it is necessary to support and create the best conditions for these women to receive HIV counseling for pregnant women in a timely manner. , from which there will be the most appropriate treatment as well as prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child.
If you want, you can book an appointment directly at Vinmec Hospitals and Clinics nationwide according to the list HERE.
SEE ALSO:
Manifestations of HIV in each stage How is HIV transmitted and at what stage? HIV in Children: What you need to know