Breast is best

Breast is best

         

By Melody Gwenyambira

HIV positive mothers should practice exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months.

This means that no other liquids or foods are given to the infants.

“ Mixed feeding in the first six months carries a greater risk of transmission because other liquids and foods given to the baby alongside breast milk can damage the delicate gut wall of the baby and allow the virus to be transmitted more easily,” Roselyn Dete the Southern African AIDS Trust Country Director said.

Breastfeeding carries significant health benefits for infants and young children and is an essential child survival intervention.

Laiza Bvute from Masvingo and is HIV positive has breastfed her one year six months old daughter since the day she was born.

“The nurses told me that I should only give my daughter breast milk. I followed the instruction and when my baby was tested she was found to be HIV negative,” she said.

Laiza is among some of the women in Zimbabwe who can bear testimony that “breast is best.”

“Mothers should only introduce other liquids and foods after consulting health practitioners and even in the process they should be guided well. The foods must not be introduced all at once but slowly,” Roselyn added,

Dete also called on mothers who give their baby formula milk to exercise good and hygienic methods to prevent the babies on falling sick.

“The measurements of the formula milk versus the water should be according to the guidelines. The bottles and tits should be sterilized and before preparation of the milk, hands should be washed. It is very important to follow instructions because if one doesn’t the baby might fall sick.”