Confronting HIV-positive mothers about the act of not breastfeeding

Abstract

The objective of this study was to learn the feelings and difficulties of women with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in face of not breastfeeding and the care offered to them. Thirty-six women/mothers with HIV and under follow-up at an STD/Aids outpatient clinic were interviewed. A qualitative study was conducted, using the Collective Subject Discourse method, which was represented by means of five discourses. The most relevant results show that the study participants suffer as a result of not being able to breastfeed their children and the lack of individualized care, especially regarding breast issues. The discourses evidenced beliefs that demystify the symbolism of breastfeeding, which strengthens these women to accept the fact that they cannot breastfeed. In conclusion, the care for this specific group must be individualized so as to assist them, especially, with their emotional conflicts in the non-breastfeeding process, as well as with their breast problems.