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.
Hi lihle,
Its great to hear that you’re baby has tested negative.
How old is your baby now?
hi, Tnk’u so much I’m relieved, my babies tested HIV- m Happy and I’m breastfeeding, wanna change to formula but I feel sad for them though they don’t get enough by breastfeeding only…. they always suck their thumbnail… and they taking their meds as well… are they chances of being positive if I continue breastfeeding them?
Hi Nolwazi,
What do you mean by feeding her?
Hi I’m hiv positive on my meds I have daughter who is 10 weeks old can I start feeding her I’m breastfeeding
Hi Lihle,
In general all babies need is milk, therefore unless a medical professional tells you to substitute your babies diet then there isn’t any need. Giving your baby water won’t increase your babies risk of being positive.
Hi I’m 35 years old HIV + mom to be, my Aunt bought all kinds of medication for my babies already and I’m scared that might increase the chances of infecting them…gripe water, panado and such
Hi Pretty,
Babies when born to HIV positive mothers are always given a course of ARVs. Therefore, even if you aren’t breastfeeding your baby will need to take navirapine. For more info, please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/will-baby-need-hiv-drugs
do I hve to give my baby navirapine even if he is not breastfeeding only formulafeeding
Hi Tdo,
How long did you give your baby formula for?
I first breastfed my 2weeks old baby but changed to formula,I’m on arvo treatment and he’s taking np so is it safe to go back to breastfeeding