US Pediatricians Approve Breastfeeding for HIV-Positive Mothers on Treatment

New guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics marks a significant policy reversal, emphasizing the benefits of breastfeeding with antiretroviral therapy.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics now supports breastfeeding for HIV-positive mothers on antiretroviral therapy.
• This policy change follows similar updates from the NIH and CDC.
• Antiretroviral drugs can reduce the risk of HIV transmission via breast milk to less than 1%.
• The guidance highlights the importance of shared decision-making and patient support.
• Approximately 5,000 HIV-positive women give birth annually in the US, most on viral-suppressing medications.

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