What critical information should be provided about breast milk to a mother who is HIV positive?

The critical information to convey to a mother who is HIV positive regarding breast milk is that it has been found to contain the retrovirus HIV. This is significant because, while breast milk provides numerous benefits for typical breastfeeding scenarios, in the context of an HIV-positive mother, it poses a risk of transmitting the virus to the infant.

Breast milk can serve as a transmission vector for HIV; thus, health authorities often recommend alternatives to breastfeeding for mothers who are HIV positive, particularly in resource-rich settings where safe alternatives are available. This information is essential in developing a care plan that prioritizes the infant's health and minimizes the risk of HIV transmission.

While breast milk does provide several benefits, such as nutritional value and immune protection, in this specific case, the potential for HIV transmission is the most critical factor to consider.