Breastfeeding story in 'Closer' Mag

There is a story in this weeks Closer magazine about a teen mum who has HIV and has just had a baby.
The young mum caught the virus through her mums breastmilk as a baby - the mother was unaware she had the virus. The teen mum has said she would have loved to breastfeed for the bonding and health benefits, but obviously cant.
There are also some doctor quotes about the HIV virus, and how it doesnt nesseccarily cross the placenta, but is definately in the mothers milk. It also goes on to say that the virus can be passed on through cracked nipples associated with breastfeeding.
Fortunately the new baby hasnt contracted the virus through the placenta.

Its a sad story to read, but well written and factual. I cant decide what light it throws breastfeeding into though - on one hand it could evoke fear in young girls, and on the other it says about the health benefits, bonding etc.

Sounds interesting will try and remeber to grab myself a copy from shop in morning.

http://www.thebody.com/content/art13590.html

Very interesing read about breastfeeding and HIV, one of the reasons baby milk action I fighting against Nestle (darnt I say that vile name )

That was a really interesting read - thanks Tash!

No problem

It shows that its really a know win situation, I think if I was in Africa I would rather breastfeed for the first 6 months as the risk far outways the risk of bottlefeeding in that time.

That is why baby milk action are fighting against nestle, they a drumming it into these deprived areas that breastfeeding is more dangerous than minging water with formula ( shudder )

hmmm, well there wasnt an alternative argument in this story - the message was - If you are HIV and BF your baby it WILL be passed on.
Maybe an email to Closer mag with reference to that article is needed?

From what I understood was, you were at greater risk past 6 months.

Before hand it was less risky than the formula situation

The risk of a baby getting HIV from breast-feeding increases the longer the baby is exposed to HIV in the breast milk. When breast-feeding is stopped at six months, the risk of transmission is reduced -- some say to as little as 5 percent (compared to 14 percent with longer periods of breast-feeding).