Question
My family are giving my baby water, is this OK?
4 April 2017. Related: All topics, Children.
I’m HIV+ mother and my baby is 3wèeks old . My CD4 count was 311 and undetectable viral load. I’m breastfeeding her and my family don;t know about my status. She tested HIV – n. Shes taking her meds as well (nvp). My worry is that now my mom believe the baby needs water so we giving her water almost every day and my breast milk is not enough for her as shes always sucking me. They say she doesn’t get full so we must feed her. I would to know what are the chances of my baby being HIV +
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
And congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Its also great to hear that she’s already tested negative.
Your family giving your daughter won’t influence her possible status. However, babies who are this young don’t need water. What they need is milk, and milk alone. If you feel like you aren’t producing enough milk, you may need to change to formula. However, if you do this, you must not mix feed.
The best thing to do would be to speak to your babies doctor. They will be able to tell you if she’s growing or not. If its any help some babies suckle more than others.
I am HIV + mother and baby is two weeks old I haven’t received his results yet, his taking 1.5ml nevirapine everyday and am breastfeeding. My viral load is lower than detected. I can’t help it am worried about my baby’s health
Hi Lady,
What is it that you’d like to ask?
Three times in three weeks and my viral load result were not back the time I gave birth but started medication when i was 20 weeks pregnant
Hi Lady,
How often have you forgotten to give your baby their medication? What was your viral load when you gave birth?
My baby is 5weeks old n on formula n nevirapine…I sometimes forget to give her nevirapine….will she be infected?they tested her at birth but will get result at six weeks
Hi Phatheka,
I’m sorry that the clinic have let you down. Is it because of a stock out? And where do you live?
Unfortunately this problem is still far too common in South Africa. But the Treatment Action Campaign are campaigning to improve this – you may want to get in touch with them for information about this, and what to do if this happens again.
It’s important that you see the doctor quickly and talk to them about your health and your son’s health. Please let us know.
I’m HIV Positive and i didn’t take my ARVs its been week now because of the Clinic
and I’m breast feeding my son is he going to right?
Hi Hunadi,
How is your baby? I hope she’s doing well. Is it easy for you to talk to the clinic about feeding her? Talking to the doctor or nurse can help work out the best thing to do now. What HIV treatment are you taking? Do you have access to your viral load result?
Here’s the guide to HIV pregnancy and women’s health. There’s a lot of info here, including sections on after baby is born.
oh i ddnt knw dt i dnt hv to breastfeed her nd also give her formula nd she is now 1month.bt her results a nt yet out so wat should i do?is it possible that my baby might be in danger?
Hi Chy,
Its great that your baby has already had one negative test, this is a good sign. To know if a child is going to be positive or not it takes until they are 18 months old as the following explains: http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/hiv-negative
The risk will have been minimal.