Abstract Breastfeeding has been shown to benefit both maternal and child immune status. The impact of exclusive
breastfeeding in the presence of HIV infection on maternal and child health is still unclear. Socio-economic factors
make breast-feeding an important source of nutrition for an infant 6 months and under in the developing world. A
prospective study was conducted to examine the impact of feeding mode on various maternal indices including
anthropometry; body composition indicators (using FTIR); haematology and biochemical markers; as well as inci-dence rates of opportunistic infections and clinical disease progression. In infants we examined the impact on growth,development and morbidity. AFASS criteria (affordable,feasible, accessible, sustainable and safe) were fulfilled by
38.7% of the formula feeding mothers. No significant dif-ferences between the formula feeding and breastfeeding
groups in terms of haematological, immunological and body composition changes were seen. Breastfeeding mothers had significantly lower events with high