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 mixfed my baby for 2 days because of my breast milk supply being low after that he got sick I immediately stopped breastfeeding I took him to hospital and he was diagnosed with neonatal sepsis, and now he has the flue he is not even 3 weeks old yet and I’m worried that I infected him, my viral load is undetectable, but what I want to know what are the first signs of infection in a newborn, his first test was negative, but seemed strong when he was born even though he had a two vessel cord please help me understand
Hi Malvin
Congratulations to you both on having your baby. What HIV treatment is your wife taking? If her viral load is undetectable it can dramtically reduce the risk of HIV to your baby.
But is your wife producing enough breast milk? Is that the reason she’s using cow’s milk? Unfortunately cow’s milk is not easy for babies to digest. And it might not have the right vitamins or nutrients for your baby.
Do you have access to formula? For more info please see this Q&A about what is the safest way to feed my baby.
Please talk to your doctor or health worker about breastfeeding. If formula milk is available and you have access to clean water, this has zero risk of HIV transmission.
My wife is HIV positive, he gave birth to a baby n hes now 3month old and she is giving her cow milk and some soft food. Is our son at risk? Coz she is steel breastfeeding him till now
Hi Kgaugelo,
Its perfectly fine to switch to formula, this isn’t an issue. The important thing is not to mix feed breastmilk and formula.
I’m in ARV My baby girl test negative but I breastfeed so I want to give him formula because my breast cracked and I feel pain
Hi Puseletso,
Babies rarely need anything else other than milk. If however you were to give your baby water, it would be OK.
Im HIV mum and my son is negetative i use fórmula only to feed him so i want to know can i give him Walter.
Hi Nelly,
Unless your doctor has said that your baby needs to be on the zidovudine for longer than 5 weeks, then there’s no need to get your baby any more medication. However, if you’re breastfeeding they should be having ARVs. This is something to discuss with your doctor.
What do I do my baby tested negative at birth and he is on adco zidovudine but now it is finished and we on week 5. Should I take him to the doctor or should I go buy another one from the pharmacy?
Hi Serah,
Giving your daughter water will not affect her HIV status.
Are you taking HIV meds and do you have access to your results?
But what does the doctor say about your cracked nipples? If you are breastfeeding you may need to switch to formula. But it’s a good idea to ask the doctor’s advice on feeding your baby. You can also ask about treatment for cracked nipples.