title: The experiences of making infant feeding choices by African, Caribbean and Black HIV-positive mothers in Ontario, Canada.
abstract: Mothers in HIV-endemic countries are advised to exclusively breastfeed their babies until six months because of lack of resources and better chances for child survival, while in developed countries, replacement feeding is advised. What are the experiences of HIV-positive women who migrate from HIV-endemic countries to developed countries, when making infant feeding choices?
  
  
  METHODS
  In-depth interviews and focus group discussions with a total of 25 women living with HIV in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Free infant formula alleviates the practical constraints in making infant feeding choices. However, cultural beliefs and social expectations constrain HIV-positive mothers' decision not to breastfeed. This is further complicated by the different policies. Service providers should understand the psychological and emotional experiences of the mothers in order to provide the appropriate support. Peers could be potential sources of support. The differences in policies are issues of global justice that need to be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Lydia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kapiriri
authors.affiliation: Research coordinator, Women's Health in Women's Hands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Wangari Esther
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Tharao
authors.affiliation: Community Health coordinator, Women's Health in Women's Hands, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Marvelous
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muchenje
authors.affiliation: Independent Community member.
authors.forename: Khatundi Irene
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Masinde
authors.affiliation: McMaster University, Faculty of Health Science, Department of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siegel
authors.affiliation: Executive Director, Africans in Partnership against AIDS, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Fanta
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ongoiba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000208:ethnology*; D017691:Caribbean Region / Q000208:ethnology; D003657:Decision Making; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D009864:Ontario; D012944:Social Support