Final answer:
An HIV-positive mother can breastfeed with antiretroviral therapy to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission, provided she is under proper medical supervision and adheres to her treatment. However, if antiretroviral therapy is not available or if there are safer alternatives, formula feeding may be recommended to eliminate the risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
An HIV-positive mother who has tested positive for HIV antibodies must consider the risks of mother-to-child transmission via breastfeeding. While rates of vertical transmission can be significantly reduced by using antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy and giving the medication to the infant after birth, breastfeeding still poses a risk of HIV transmission through breast milk. As such, the recommended course of action is either to breastfeed with antiretroviral therapy, if it is available and the mother is being properly treated, or to avoid breastfeeding altogether and use formula instead to eliminate the risk of transmission through breast milk.
Considering the information provided, the answer to whether an HIV-positive mother with a positive antibody test can breastfeed would be c) Yes, with antiretroviral therapy. This is based on the reduction of transmission rates provided by the use of antiretroviral medication. However, this is not without restrictions, and it is critical that the mother's treatment is closely monitored and adhered to. Safe alternative feeding options like formula feeding may also be considered if they are feasible and safe in the mother's context.