
One of our counselors recently received a call from Amani, a 23 year old man and new father seeking urgent advice for his family. Amani shared that his wife, who is living with HIV, has been breastfeeding their one-month-old baby, who remains HIV-negative.
However, she has recently been experiencing persistent pain in her breast, and the bruising around the affected area has raised serious concerns about the risk of transmission to their child.
The counselor began by offering reassurance, explaining that HIV-positive mothers can indeed breastfeed safely, provided they are on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load. This lowers the risk of transmission to nearly zero. However, given the current symptoms of pain and bruising, the counselor stressed the need for Amani’s wife to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
These symptoms could be indicative of mastitis, an infection that may require antibiotics, or other complications that could compromise both her health and, potentially, the breastfeeding process.
The counselor emphasized that immediate care was essential, as untreated infections could increase the risk of HIV transmission through breastmilk. Additionally, he added that it was important to strictly adhere to the ARV medication, which helps keep the viral load low and minimizes transmission risks. The counselor recommended monitoring the breastfeeding process closely, ensuring that any signs of infection such as worsening pain, increased redness, or a rise in body temperature prompt immediate medical intervention.
Beyond these steps, the counselor also spoke about the role of regular health check-ups for both mother and child, particularly for the baby to confirm HIV-negative status. He advised Amani to stay informed about potential symptoms to ensure prompt action in case of any complications. Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare provider would support both the mother’s recovery and the baby’s health, offering peace of mind for the family as they navigate this journey together.
Prepared by C-Sema's Communication Team.