Question

It is normal for your baby to be given a short course (4 weeks) of HIV treatment (such as nevirapine) when born. This doesn’t mean your baby is HIV positive. This will be checked later through testing. A different type of testing is also used on babies as the normal antibody test used in adults will show the baby as positive.

Do you mind me asking if you are taking HIV treatment for your health?

455 comments

1. Lisa Thorley • 30 October 2019

   Hi Wendy N,

   All babies born to positive mothers are given a course of ARVs, This doesn’t mean that your baby is positive. Has your baby been tested?

2. Wendy N • 30 October 2019

   Hi im 29 and i found out i was Hiv when i went to the clinic i was 7 months from that day i staterd my treatment.. i g ave birth to a baby girl weighing 3.4kg and my bby was given NVP from the first day duz dat mean shes HIV positive.. i also breasfeeded her for a week as told its ok to breastfeed but was scared nd Staterd giving her formula shes on her 4th week nw is she ok?

3. Roy Trevelion • 23 October 2019

   Hi Sharon,

   Congratulations on the birth of your baby. It’s great news that his PCR test came back negative. It’s also good to hear that your viral load is undetectable. It sounds like you’re doing all you can for him.

   As Muigen says above, all babies born to HIV postive mothers are given a short course of HIV meds. Often for about four weeks. But it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about how long your baby needs AZT. Your doctor can give you the best advice about this.

   Whether you breastfeed can depend on what country you live in. However, it’s recommended to breastfeed only for 6 months and then wean your baby onto soft food. Mixed feeding with breastmilk and formula is not recommended.

4. Sharon • 23 October 2019

   I’m hiv positive and my viral load was undetectable my baby was given AZT syrup but after PCR test came back negative he was stopped shouldn’t he be taking it for 6 weeks I’m breast feeding and really concerned

5. Lisa Thorley • 20 October 2019

   Hi Mantswi,

   Babies born to positive mothers need to be either breastfeed or formula feed, they can’t be mixed feed. You’re going to need to choose which one you want to use. With formula there are no risks.
   With regards to rise, no one at this stage can predict what your babies status is going to be. however, your viral load is undetectable so the risks are minimal.

6. Mantswi • 20 October 2019

   Hi,am HIV positive being on ARV for 3 month,Viral load of 50,mi question is mi baby is 5 days,was breastfeeding her I decided to give formula after 5 days of breastfeeding will mi baby get HIV positive if I stop breastfeeding now and give formula,she was given neviropin syrup.is early or late to start formula so that the is 0 percent risk of getting infected cause I don’t want her to be involved in my mistake.

7. Lisa Thorley • 13 October 2019

   Hi Lindie,

   All babies born to positive mothers are given a course of ARVs, so no this doesn’t mean that your baby is positive. Has your baby been tested yet?

8. Lindie • 13 October 2019

   Hi

   I am HIV positive and my baby received 2 syrup, nevarapien and Zidovudine, does that mean my baby is positive?

9. Roy Trevelion • 14 August 2019

   Hi Moregrace,

   Congratulations on the birth of your baby.

   It sounds like your doing all you can to protect your baby. But please talk to the doctor about giving him any other meds or supplements.

   The doctors and nurses can give you the best advice and help for feeding your baby.

10. Moregrace • 14 August 2019

    Hi I gave birth on the 31July and positive. My baby is on cipla nevirapine but struggling with gas so want to ask if I can give him reuterina drops. I am breastfeeding by the way