I listen with respect to those with the much more experience than I in
counseling breastfeeding mothers about the risk of breastfeeding and AIDS.  I
do, however, think that the statistics quoted in the NY Times article were
alarming.  The transmission rate was 3-4 times higher among the breastfed
babies than the formula fed.  Isn't the point that bf advocates have to be
aware of these statistics  and to realize that we are talking about
prevention of a deadly disease?  Especially in areas where expensive
treatment is not possible, how can we identify those mothers at risk and best
protect their babies?
What if formula companies agreed to provide "ready to feed" ABM for babies of
HIV positive mothers until they were ready for the cup and food?  Again,
through identification of the HIV positive women and with the UN's
cooperation?
Barbara Hayes, RN, FACCE