Imagine a world where HIV-positive mothers can safely breastfeed their babies without fear of transmission. Sounds groundbreaking, right? Well, that’s exactly what Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital has achieved—and they’ve been doing it for 30 years. On World AIDS Day, December 1st, the Bickerstaff Family Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is celebrating three decades of zero mother-to-baby HIV transmissions among the families they’ve cared for. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable: they’ve also successfully supported an HIV-positive mother in safely breastfeeding her infant, who remains HIV-negative thanks to meticulous medical management. This isn’t just a victory for one family—it’s a monumental leap for public health.
Without proper treatment, HIV can pass from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. But thanks to advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), strict adherence to treatment protocols, and vigilant medical oversight, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of transmission can be reduced to less than 1%. The Bickerstaff Family Center’s recent breastfeeding success aligns perfectly with CDC guidelines and recent studies, which show transmission rates below 1% when the mother’s viral load—the amount of HIV in her blood—is undetectable.
But how did they get here? Since 1995, the Bickerstaff Family Center’s multidisciplinary team—including physicians, physician assistants, social workers, dietitians, pharmacists, and Child Life specialists—has developed and followed specialized protocols to prevent transmission and promote long-term health for both mothers and babies. After birth, infants receive immediate antiretroviral medication and HIV testing, along with routine monitoring for over 18 months to ensure they stay healthy. And this is the part most people miss: this level of care isn’t just about medical intervention—it’s about education, support, and community empowerment.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While breastfeeding by HIV-positive mothers is now considered safe under specific conditions, not everyone agrees. Some still argue that formula feeding is the only way to eliminate risk entirely. What do you think? Should HIV-positive mothers be encouraged to breastfeed if their viral load is undetectable, or is formula feeding the safer choice? Let us know in the comments.
Over the years, HIV treatment itself has transformed dramatically. When the Bickerstaff program began, there were no effective treatments—only supportive care. Fast forward to today, and patients can manage their condition with long-acting injectable therapies, requiring just two injections every two and six months. These advancements have been life-changing, especially for those who struggled with daily pill regimens. Globally, new HIV infections among children have dropped by nearly 60% between 2010 and 2025, according to UNAIDS. Today, with the right treatment, people living with HIV can expect lifespans similar to those without the virus.
The Bickerstaff Family Center’s partnership with the Cherese Mari Laulhere BirthCare Center ensures families have access to comprehensive pre- and post-natal care. As Jagmohan Batra, M.D., medical director of the Bickerstaff Family Center, puts it, ‘What was once considered a death sentence is now managed as a chronic condition—and it all begins with knowing your HIV status.’
On World AIDS Day, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital urges everyone, especially expectant mothers, to get tested for HIV. It’s a simple step that can break stigma, save lives, and promote public health. For more information about the Bickerstaff Family Center or how to support their work, visit millerchildrens.org/bickerstaff or call (562) 933-8660.
About MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach:
Part of MemorialCare, a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is one of only eight free-standing children’s hospitals in California. It’s also the state’s only hospital offering the 7D Surgical System for pediatric spine surgery. Treating nearly 13,000 children annually, the hospital serves as a regional hub for over 69,000 children needing specialized outpatient care through the Cherese Mari Laulhere Children’s Village Outpatient Center and satellite locations in Torrance, Fountain Valley, and Irvine. With round-the-clock maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists, the hospital provides comprehensive care for high-risk pregnancies and premature infants. Nationally recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital continues to set the standard for pediatric and maternal health. Visit millerchildrens.org to learn more.
