Practice recommendations
The discussion has raised many issues that can be
applied to both the case study and practice
generally.
Analysis of the evidence has firstly highlighted
the differences globally between the risks in
different parts of the world and hence the
difference between two major sets of guide-
lines namely WHO and BHIVA. There is a need
for staff to be aware of both guidelines
particularly when faced with mothers who are
experiencing conflict between national policy
and internal, culturally based beliefs that
strongly influence individual choice. Health
professionals should be aware of potential
conflicts between national and international
guidelines so that they can understand the
needs of women from other countries than the
UK or similar. According to the current guide-
lines within the UK, health professionals would
in all cases advise HIV positive mothers not to
breast-feed. However, in the light of evidence
on HAART/START as discussed and the effect on
lowering transmission rates, healthcare
workers need to know how to help some
mothers, such as Zola, minimise the risks of
breast-feeding. Based on new evidence, atti-
tudes may start to change among healthcare
workers when breast-feeding is chosen in
a well managed setting.
This case highlights the importance of good
communication and how this can help to
reduce stress among parents. Compromise
between staff opinions and/or guidelines and
that of parents is not always easy or possible.
However it is possible to provide parents with
enough information and time to process the
information before making decisions. This
could have been done with Zola as soon as
possible during her pregnancy for information
to be assimilated early and avoid the stress of
discovering the advice not to breast-feed.
Also of utmost importance is to continually
strive to provide holistic family centred care,
to be mindful of the motherechild bond and try
to enforce this where possible. This was central
to the care of Zola who clearly felt bonding was
of great importance to her.
The case also offers a new perspective in
relation to infant feeding from a global view-
point. Making global comparisons stresses the
importance of an international perspective on
maternal and infant health. This is not only so
that we recognise diversity and individual
cultures such as that illustrated by Zola’s case;
also so we are aware of the stark differences
there are across the world and the inequalities
in access to health and simple basic care and
equipment that we may take for granted in the
western world.