Mom Was Told Not to Breastfeed While Living with HIV. Years Later, She Made a Different Choice (Exclusive)

## Woman’s Journey to Breastfeeding as an HIV Positive Mother

Bianca Carolina, a mother from the United States, is using her personal experience to shed light on the challenges faced by those with HIV when it comes to breastfeeding. Five years ago, Bianca faced significant obstacles during her first pregnancy, receiving alarming warnings from medical professionals that left her feeling fearful and isolated. Today, with updated guidelines and a stronger awareness of her health, she is breastfeeding her newborn son while living with HIV—an achievement she once thought was unattainable.

In a revealing TikTok video that has prompted considerable discussion, Bianca shared the stark contrast between her experiences with her first child and her current approach to motherhood. “I wanted to breastfeed with my firstborn five years ago,” she stated in the video. However, when she expressed her desire to breastfeed as an HIV-positive mother, she was met with resistance. “Not only did the labour and delivery department threaten me with the police, but they also said they would open a case against me with child protective services if I breastfed my daughter,” she recounted. The distress of those moments, she emphasised, has lingered with her long after her hospital experience.

The cultural and medical landscape surrounding HIV and breastfeeding has evolved significantly since Bianca’s first child was born. Years later, when she welcomed her son, there were new guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that provided a different outlook on the situation. “Thankfully, the CDC guidelines were updated in 2023, which state that mothers living with HIV can breastfeed their babies and have the full support of their medical team,” she noted, expressing relief at the progress made in public health recommendations.

According to the CDC, for mothers on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) with a consistently undetectable HIV viral load during and after pregnancy, the risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding is less than 1%, although it is important to note that the risk is not entirely eliminated. The CDC also states that mothers who wish to minimize transmission risks might consider alternatives, such as using properly prepared formula or pasteurised donor human milk. The guidelines continue to emphasise the necessity of maintaining an undetectable viral load while breastfeeding to ensure the safety of the infant.

Bianca understands the importance of this medical advice and has made it a priority in her daily routine. “The most critical precaution in keeping my baby safe while I breastfeed him is maintaining an undetectable status,” she explained. By adhering to her ART regimen, she takes proactive steps to ensure her viral load remains undetectable. “I do this by taking my HIV medication daily,” she added, reinforcing her commitment to both her own health and the wellbeing of her child.

To monitor her viral load, Bianca ensures she visits her infectious disease doctor on a monthly basis, receiving regular testing that contributes to her peace of mind. “That routine is part of what gives me confidence as I navigate this journey,” she stated. Despite her thorough preparation and attention to her health, she is aware that her decision to breastfeed may evoke uncertainty and confusion among others.

Bianca believes that misconceptions surrounding HIV and breastfeeding continue to persist, which she attributes to a lack of comprehensive understanding. “There is still a lot of mixed information regarding breastfeeding,” she explained, highlighting the necessity to mitigate fears through education and support. She remains committed to sharing her story, not only to clarify her own choices but to empower others who may feel similarly stigmatised.

By discussing her experiences publicly, Bianca hopes to challenge the fears that haunted her during her earlier pregnancy. She aims to transform what she once viewed as an isolating experience into a supportive pathway for others facing similar situations. Her journey serves as a testament to the strides made in medical guidelines, as well as the importance of open conversation about HIV, motherhood, and breastfeeding.

Through her advocacy, Bianca is paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding, hoping to alleviate fears for women like herself in future generations. As societal attitudes continue to evolve, she envisions a world where mothers can make informed decisions about their breastfeeding journey without fear of stigma or misunderstanding.