The primary objective is to investigate the factors that affect infant feeding behavior among HIV positive mothers from 6 weeks through 6 months postpartum. The specific aims are:
1. To document infant feeding practices, social influences on infant feeding, maternal estimation of the risks of HIV transmission compared to the risks of death due to other illnesses/malnutrition associated with replacement feeding, and maternal stress associated with breastfeeding, weaning and infant’s HIV testing among mothers who are participating in perinatal research, and among mothers participating in a standard PMTCT program,
2. To describe the emotional stress that women experience associated with breastfeeding and learning their infant’s HIV status.
3. To describe the source, type and cost of replacement milks given and methods and burdens of preparation of these milks (formula milk, animal milk).
4. To correlate infant health status and growth up to 6 months with (1) adherence to recommended breastfeeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding, early/abrupt weaning, safe replacement feeding) and (2) the type of replacement milk used after weaning.
5. To gain insight into differences in infant feeding attitudes and practices between HIV-infected women and HIV-uninfected women.