Recently, someone on our adoptive breastfeeding group has asked about breastfeeding a baby whose birth mom was HIV+.  I basically just said that there have been cases where that has happened and that my preference would be for the baby to be fed in a way as close to breastfeeding as possible, so that, when a dependable negative screen was obtained, switching would be easier.  I also said that if she could pump milk to feed the baby during that time, it would be very beneficial.  She got a bit miffed with me and someone else said that if HIV can't be transmitted by kissing, it can't be by breastfeeding, either.  

What would you ladies (and gentleman) say to someone who wanted to breastfeed an adopted baby who was born of a woman who was known to be HIV+?  Also, does anyone know how soon a dependable negative test can be done on a baby?
 		 	   		  
             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome