That CDC site that I quoted from does not state a reference to this
information nor any other information in regard to the destruction of hiv in
breastmilk.  We do know that hiv is inactivated in vitro by human milk and I
even have a list of the components in human milk that supposedly do this (one
being, of course, lactoferrin).  And as I said before there are companies in
the US, Netherlands, and Sweden that are selling genetically engineered human
lactoferrin to prevent and treat hiv/aids patients based on the many studies
that show that human lactoferrin inactivates hiv in vitro.  So in my opinion
this calls into question the basis for the CDC's decision in 1985 to
recommend the "discouragement" of  breastfeeding.  And remember that the
CDC's decision in 1985 was based on 2 letters written to the Lancet involving
4 cases of supposed hiv transmission through breastmilk.

Magda's post on the Coutsaudis study is another important piece of
information to consider.  This study shows us that exclusive breastfeeding is
an important consideration in regard to worries about transmission of hiv.
So one might believe that treatment of breastmilk by hiv-positive mothers is
not necessary, if mothers understand exclusive breastfeeding (and their
health care providers understand exclusive breastfeeding).  But of course, in
the US that is considered a moot point. The CDC uses the word, "discourage"
hiv-positive mothers from breastfeeding but it does not say can't.  But what
has happened is that most health care providers define "discourage" as "shall
not."  And  they use the threat of Child Protection Agencies to enforce this
so-called discouragement. And if that doesn't work, they take them to court
and try to take away their parental rights.

I think what many people do not understand is that the studies that show
breastfeeding to be a risk for hiv transmission are often flawed and often
have vested interests in the outcome.  Who benefits when breastmilk looks
like it transmits diseases or toxins?  Funding of studies in the USA is often
provided by companies who have the most to gain by that particular study.
Universities and the government are no longer bastions of independence from
vested interests.  Nestle funds many researchers and physicians around the
world and right now particularly in developing nations.  Nestle funds many
universities. Cornell University's food science department has the Nestle
Library!!  Our own government has its researchers that spend time doing
research for various drug companies and then go back to their government
jobs.  Independence?  Evidence-based medicine?  So do I think the CDC's
recommendations are correct in regard to hiv/aids and breastfeeding?  No.
Valerie W. McClain, IBCLC

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