Francine is referring to the effects of breastfeeding on the MOTHERS.  This
is, incidentally, an area absent in the research literature as far as I am
aware, but one which should indeed be investigated.  I heard that someone
was talking about a study which purported to show negative effects for HIV+
women if they breastfed.  My source was informing me that this was at the
level of a rumour going around, but of course it may be more than that.

I think it is an interesting use of tactics -- does it mean that there is a
concession here that the indications in the Coutsoudis paper (exclusive
breastfeeding and exclusive replacement feeding give the same rate of HIV
transmission, whereas a mix of breastfeeding with other substances results
in higher rates of transmission)  for BABIES are accepted as substantial?

BTW, remember that if the position that breastfeeding is a major source of
mother to child (or, parent to child) transmission of HIV, and one that
needs to be tackled with vigour and replacements, is brought into question,
there are a number of interests which could perceive this as a threat.

Magda Sachs
Breastfeeding Supporter, BfN, UK

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