When is breastfeeding contraindicated?

Breastfeeding is contraindicated in the case of a mother who has AIDS, primarily due to the risk of transmitting the virus to the infant through breast milk. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, can be present in various bodily fluids, including breast milk. As a result, health authorities recommend that HIV-positive mothers avoid breastfeeding to prevent the possibility of their infants contracting the virus.

In contrast, when a mother is lactose intolerant, it does not affect her ability to breastfeed, as lactose in breast milk is specifically designed for the infant's needs. Mothers with COVID-19 may also continue to breastfeed while taking precautions, as the virus is not believed to be transmitted through breast milk. If a mother is on medication, it depends on the specific medication and its safety during breastfeeding; many medications are compatible with breastfeeding, so this alone does not warrant a contraindication.