Researchers are eagerly anticipating a potential update to Health Canada's guidance for mothers living with HIV who wish to breastfeed. The current policy, which advises against breastfeeding due to the risk of virus transmission, is considered more restrictive than guidelines in other countries like the United States and Switzerland. However, a growing body of scientific evidence supports the benefits of breastfeeding for both the baby's immune system and the emotional bond between mother and child.

Studies have shown that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can significantly reduce viral load and lower the risk of HIV transmission, even in cases where mothers living with HIV choose to breastfeed. Health Canada is expected to complete the initial stage of a review of its Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants policy this year, focusing on infants from birth to six months old.

Dr. Jason Brophy, chair of the Canadian Pediatric and Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group, suggests that if Health Canada revises its guidance, breastfeeding should be recommended only for mothers with long-term viral suppression. He emphasizes the importance of adherence to treatment and close monitoring by healthcare professionals for both the mother and baby.

Logan Kennedy, a research lead at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, advocates for equal access to breastfeeding and formula feeding options for parents with undetectable HIV. A recent Canadian study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society found that babies of mothers with sustained virologic suppression who received combination antiretroviral therapy prophylaxis remained HIV-negative.

Dr. Sarah Khan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, highlights that not every baby who breastfeeds from a mother living with HIV will become infected. She underscores the importance of strict precautions to prevent transmission, along with infant prophylaxis treatment and proper breast care.

In 2016, the World Health Organization recommended breastfeeding for women on ART in low- and middle-income countries where formula feeding may not be feasible. Switzerland and the U.S. have also updated their guidelines to allow breastfeeding for mothers living with HIV who are virally suppressed. Dr. Khan hopes that new evidence and guidelines will empower healthcare providers to have informed discussions with affected families to determine the best approach for mother and baby.

Dr. Khan is leading the MILK Study, which tracks mothers living with HIV who choose to breastfeed. The study aims to analyze breast milk during high-risk periods to ensure the safety of infants and mothers.