The one factor that I did not see mentioned in the recent posting
about HIV and breastfeeding was the question of absolute exclusivity
of the breastfeeding.  It sems to me this is the number one factor
according to all recent research that addressed the issue.  As long
as the infant is absolutely getting only breastmilk, risk of
transmission is less than with formula feeding (at least for the
first 6 months after which there are some questions and it doesn't
relate to the starting of other foods).  It is the mixed breastmilk
and other feeds that puts baby at greatest risk-quite possibly due
the the change in gut permiability that allows the virus to get into
the baby's system.  One problem comes in getting people to
understand that exclusive really means absolutely nothing else,
including culturally common other substances given to babies.

Winnie

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