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.
My baby is 3months old and she tested neg but is I constipated she is only breastfeeding what can I do
Hi Patricia,
Many congratulations on having your baby.
Yes, you can switch to bottle feeding with formula. But it’s not recommended to breastfeed at the same time as formula. So formula only will be fine.
It’s good that your child is taking nevirapine. Please talk to the doctor about your child’s treatment, as well as the best way for you to feed your child .
Hey i have a 23days old bby nd breastfeeding nd um positive nd am on art nd my viral load is undetectable if i decide to switch to bottle afta 6weeks will it b ohk…the child is taking nevirapine
Hi Lerato,
Yes its OK to give your daughter water, this won’t have any effect on her potential status. However, babies this young shouldn’t really need water.
Hey I’m HIV positive and breast feeding my daughter is it safe to give her water she is 18days old
Hi Angie,
It’s good that your viral load is undetectable. This can help protect your baby from HIV.
But as Lisa says above, your baby needs milk. So it sounds like a good idea to switch to formula only. Please don’t mix feed with both formula and breastmilk. Mixed feeding can increase the risk to your baby.
Please talk to your doctor about switching to formula only. And tell them about your cracked nipples.
Hi
I’m on ART and my VL is undetected and I’m breastfeeding, my baby tested HIV- and is 3 days old and I’m not producing enough milk so I have given the baby the Sugar Salt Solution to assist is it fine. I would also like to change to formal feed as my nipples seems to crack is it still safe to change?
Thanks in advance
Hi S.S.
What does your doctor say?
Please read what Angelina says on this Q&A about the safest way to feed your baby. She says that the WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines recommend that if a woman is taking HIV treatment (ART), then she should breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. After 6 months the baby can then be weaned onto a safe diet without breastfeeding.
Please discuss this with your doctor so you understand the recommendations where you live. If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign for local support.
My baby is five months old and i am breastfeeding him,i’m HIV positive taking ARVs,can i start giving food?
Hi Manyukunyuku,
There’s no risk, Risks can occur however when someone mix feeds with breast milk and formula. However, babies under the age of 6 months should not be given solid foods, all they need is milk.