Infant feeding as a transgressive practice in the context of HIV in the UK: A qualitative interview study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2023.102834
• Publication Date: 2023-09-20T10:33:06Z
• Authors: Tanvi Rai; Bakita Kasadha; Shema Tariq; Sabrina Keating; Lisa Hinton; Angelina Namiba; Catherine Pope
• Keywords: Disadvantaged; Infant feeding

HIV transmission risk via breastfeeding is greatly reduced by antiretroviral therapy but not zero. Current UK guidelines recommend exclusive formula feeding; however, women can breastfeed if they meet certain criteria. We examine the narrative accounts of mothers with (pregnant or recently given birth) who navigated divergent cultural and national policy norms regarding infant feeding. Mothers HIV, majority whom in are Black African ethnicity, face a complex decision feeding, which has implications for their sense identity, belonging citizenship. While one lowest rates globally, normalised across Asian cultures. However, remains stigmatised feeding could signal one's HIV-positive status. Our participants made difficult trade-offs to mitigate variety threats faced, both options (breast formula) felt transgressive, immense hazards involved these intersectionally-disadvantaged women.