Question
My viral load is high, can I breastfeed?
21 August 2019. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Pregnancy.
My daughter is 3 weeks old. I’ve not been breastfeeding her because I didn’t have very much milk. I now have a lot of milk. Is it OK to switch from formula to breast milk even if my viral load is high?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
If your viral load is detectable and especially if it is high, you need to keep to formula milk.
Otherwise, there is a high risk that your baby will become HIV positive.
Feeding guidelines for infants vary depending on where it is that a person lives. Breastfeeding in only recommended in some countries when viral load is undetectable.
With a high viral load there is a high risk of HIV transmission.
Also, for your own health, do you know why your viral load is detectable?
Are you taking HIV medicines? If yes, is your doctor planning to change these?
Hi Shania, thanks, this sounds like it was not an expected result – I hope you are okay and getting good support and now good treatment.
In general, it is really good that you found out so you hvae been able to stop breastfeeding and move to formula milk. This is becase your viral load is likey to have been detectable.
You are doing everything right for your baby by doing this. Without more information about your viral load and CD4 it is difficult to give individual information.
Hi. I tested positive while breastfeeding (I was negative before) meaning I got infected while breastfeeding. I stopped once I found out about my status but I’m worried. What are the chances that my baby was also infected?
Hi Botle, yes everything is still okay and congratulations on having a baby. A viral load of 81 is still considered undetectable and one isolated jump to 81 is not a cause for concern.
Viral load blips are common and it will have no impact on baby. You can continue breastfeeding as normal and taking your treatment. There is no reason to think your viral load will continue to go up. Most likely when you have your next viral load test it will return to being undetectable.
Hello
I have always been undetectable, but my post delivery viral load went up to 81 and I have been breastfeeding and my baby and I have been on medication…. She tested negative at birth
Is everything still okay with my increased viral load?
Dear Mercy, congratulations on your pregnancy. This must be a very special time. It is really good you were diagnosed in time to start ART, as this will also protect your baby. If your ART contains dolutegravir, your viral load is likely to come down very quickly. Please don’t worry about breastfeeding yet. This varies in different countries and relates to your viral load when the baby is born.
Formula milk is just as good for your baby if you need to use that. The HIV meds now will also be protecting your baby.
Recently tested positive with 7 months pregnancy but I have started taking meds…My viral load is very high that my gynae is arranging a cs Iam afraid I won’t breastfeed my baby ..is my baby safe?