Question
I’ve HIV and just had a baby, should I use formula?
25 October 2016. Related: All topics, Children, Disclosure, Southern Africa.
hi. I’m hiv positive and have given birth 5days ago. I’m currently on tribuss and undetectable. My family is too judgemental so i have not told anyone about my status. I’m feeding my baby formula but the problem is she has not pooped for 2days now and my family keeps on saying its because of formula i should breastfeed. I want to know if it is still safe for me to breastfeed even if i started by giving formula.
Answer
Congratulations on the birth of your child.
I appreciate that it can be hard to tell people about your status. You may also feel under more pressure because of having a baby. Because you are on treatment, how you choose to feed your child is your decision. The following though may help:
With regards to your baby pooing, this is normal in newborns. If however, you are concerned please talk to a doctor.
Good luck.
Hi Maria, please talk to your doctor, nurse or clinic. Your baby only needs the milk now and for a while. It is not good to use gripe water, porridge or anyting else. The clinic can give you advice about things at home, including your HIV status.
Hi.im hiv positive..my baby is 2 months.i breastfeed her and feed her gripe water and muthi wenyoni.plus 4 teaspoon of porridge.i haven’t disclose my status to my family at home …is it safe to continue or should i stop
Hi Mandy,
If you mean formula milk and breastmilk, then no this isn’t recommended. With regards to solids, in the UK we don’t introduce solid until 6 months, however if you live in the UK the guidelines might be different. Ideally you should talk to a healthcare professional.
Hi ..my baby is 5 months old and I’m HIV positive …now my baby is not getting full by breastfeeding and I have to go to work ..will it be a problem if I mix feed him
Hi Shudu,
Your baby is far too young for solid foods, at this age and until they are 6 months old all babies need is milk. As you’re positive this will need to be either formula, or if you live in a country where breastfeeding is supported, breastmilk.
Hi am hiv positive ND my baby is 6 weeks can I introduce him solid food coz am going back to work ..I’ll breastfeed him when I get back to work at night
Hi Sarah,
Yes you baby can be given formula, this isn’t a problem. However, babies don’t really need to be given solid food until they’re 6 months old, 4 is too young.
I’m HIV positive and my baby is 6weeks, she’s taking NVP, is it possible to give formula and solid food only cos after 4months im going back to work and I’m working 12hours shifts
Hi Onelisa,
In the UK where i-base are based we usually introduce solid foods from 6 months. However, depending on where it is that you live, you should be OK with 5 months. Introducing solids won’t have any impact on your childs possible status.
Hi I’m hiv positive and my baby is 5 months today and formula fed. He just stopped taking ilvitrim. Is it safe to give him solids?