Question
Can I mix feed?
3 May 2020. Related: All topics, Children.
I have a 10 weeks old infant and she tested negative at birth. However I\'m having sleepless nights, waiting in anticipation for her results as she got tested again when I took her for her 10 weeks vaccination. When I gave birth the doctor advised that I could mix feed since my CD4 count is 889 and viral load is undetectable but the nurse disagreed and said I should choose one so I chose breastfeeding. However, I have not disclosed my status at home and my mom constantly insists on mix feeding,solid feeding (cerealec) and giving her medication (Muthi wenyonyi,Qhuma,Lenon medicines,Panado,gripe water and Scott Emulsion) and now I’ve decided to stop breastfeeding once and for all. What are the chances of my daughter’s results coming out positive?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
What your doctor told you is wrong. Babies born to HIV positive mothers need to be either formula fed or breastfed. However, guidelines on which method to use vary depending on where it is that a woman lives. For example in the UK where i-base are based, women aren’t advised to breastfeed. However, in South Africa they are as long as their viral load is undetectable.
The important thing is that babies need to be either be formula feed or breastfeed, not both.
You’ve mentioned that your baby is also being give solids. Your baby is too young to be given solids and this includes porridge. Introducing solids too early can increase the risk of a baby being positive. Therefore, this is something that you’re going to need to think about.
Your child is being given a lot of things that they simply do not need. Unless your child is unwell all they need is milk and milk alone.
If your child is taking ARVs, (which they should be as your breastfeeding) you need to be careful of possible interactions. This is why it’s important to talk to your childs doctor first before giving them any other medication.
If you aren’t ready to tell your family about your status, this is of course up to you. You do however need to be very clear with them about what your baby can and can’t have.
Hi Oceania, congratulations on your new baby and pplease do not worry. You are doing amazingly well in looking after your baby. If the tests have been negative up til now it is really likely that everything will still be okay. Becasue you have an undetectable viral load it is usually fine to switch between breast and formula milk. Please talk to the clinic too though becasue it i important that you also eat properly to be able to look after your baby.
Good morning. I am undetectable first time mom I give birth to negative baby girl she’s about 6 months I was only breastfeeding her when she was about 4 months my breast milk dry up because of so many things I happening at the time. The time also I have problem financially so I didn’t have money to switch her to formula at time, I wanted to be close she’s going to she’s going to have 6 months check up this coming Monday is obvious they are going to test for HIV I know it’s maybe possible that she can test positive because of my financial condition I didn’t switch it to me once I give him maybe two times but any formula I continue to breastfeed. Until she is 6 months now yes thank you
Hi Nondumiso, congratulations on having a baby. It is great to hear that baby has tested negative.
As baby is no longer being breastfed, additional fluids along with formula is not going to risk transmission to baby. While it will not risk transmission, baby is still a little young for orange juice due to the acid. Baby should be at least 1 before giving orange juice.
In small amounts and if formula is not enough, it is okay to give baby water.
Hello
My 3 months old baby tested negative at 10 weeks and I recently stopped breastfeeding, and she is now on formula, will giving her water and orange juice increase chances of her being infected?
Good day
I stopped breastfeeding my 3 month old and she’s tested negative…. She’s now on formula and seems like her grandma gives her a baby food but I have never breastfed her since I stopped, is she going to be okay?
Hi Sammy, as baby is now being formula fed there is no risk of transmission. How old is baby? Formula alone should be enough until baby is 6 months old. At 6 months you can start introducing solids.