Question
Is feeding my baby soft foods a risk?
9 September 2016. Related: Children, HIV transmission, Pregnancy.
I am HIV positive and on drugs. My CD4 count was 587 in January when i was diagnosed. I have been breastfeeding but at 4 months i found out that my cousin has been giving my son porridge when I’m not can around. Is he at high risk? He is also on Nevirapine.
Answer
Hi,
Congratulations on having a baby.
Different countries have different recommendations on breastfeeding or using formula milk. The most important part is taking treatment and keeping your viral load undetectable. This reduces the risk. Your baby taking a short course of nevirapine is also another way of reducing the risk that he/she will become positive.
It is not recommended to switch between breast milk and formula milk but your cousin feeding your baby a small bit of porridge shouldn’t affect this.