Postnatal care for HIV-positive mothers: Breastfeeding and health guidelines

HIV attacks the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections. Transmission occurs through unprotected sex, untested blood, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding. With antiretroviral therapy, transmission risk is minimal. HIV-positive mothers should exclusively breastfeed for six months. Infants need early HIV testing and vaccinations per national schedules.