Understanding practices of lactation and infant feeding together with women with HIV: the UPLIFT observational study protocol - Summary - MDSpire

Understanding practices of lactation and infant feeding together with women with HIV: the UPLIFT observational study protocol

  • By

  • Christiana Smith

  • Emily Anne Barr

  • Karen Hampanda

  • Mark Trumbull

  • Hulin Wu

  • Jennifer McKinney

  • Sarah Buisson

  • Carly Hoffmann

  • Ciarra Brown

  • Angela B. Hutchinson

  • K. Rivet Amico

  • Ifeyinwa V. Asiodu

  • Elizabeth J. McFarland

  • Margaret A. Lampe

  • Preetam A. Cholli

  • Olga Varechtchouk

  • Allahna Esber

  • Athena P. Kourtis

  • Lisa Abuogi

  • July 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To address knowledge gaps regarding infant feeding decisions, practices, and outcomes for women living with HIV (WLHIV) and their infants in the context of updated U.S. guidelines supporting breastfeeding.

Approach:
  • Core Activities: The UPLIFT study includes three core activities: CA1 focuses on exploring infant feeding decision-making through interviews and surveys; CA2 establishes a longitudinal cohort of WLHIV-infant dyads to examine feeding practices and outcomes; CA3 develops a volun…
Key Findings:
  • Updated U.S. guidelines now support breastfeeding for virally suppressed WLHIV on antiretroviral treatment.
  • Cumulative research indicates low rates of HIV transmission (<1%) via breastfeeding among virologically suppressed women.
  • WLHIV express a desire to breastfeed due to benefits such as maternal-infant bonding and nutritional advantages.
Interpretation:

The UPLIFT study aims to generate insights that inform patient-centered care and empower WLHIV in making informed infant feeding decisions.

Limitations:
  • The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the U.S. context.
  • Potential challenges in ART adherence during the postpartum period may affect outcomes.
Conclusion:

The UPLIFT study will provide critical insights into infant feeding practices among WLHIV.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Understanding practices of lactation and infant feeding together with women with HIV: the UPLIFT observational study protocol

  • by Christiana Smith, Emily Anne Barr, Karen Hampanda, Mark Trumbull, Hulin Wu, Jennifer McKinney, Sarah Buisson, Carly Hoffmann, Ciarra Brown, Angela B. Hutchinson, K. Rivet Amico, Ifeyinwa V. Asiodu, Elizabeth J. McFarland, Margaret A. Lampe, Preetam A. Cholli, Olga Varechtchouk, Allahna Esber, Athena P. Kourtis, Lisa Abuogi

  • July 8, 2026

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