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 I’m HIV pos n my 1month baby is on NVP I’m also on Arv.. My boy is having stomoch cramps went to the clinic they say its Colic, now my mom believes warm water will sooth his tummy, and was told to breastfeed or bottlefeed no water or mix feed. Please assist me will water increase chances of him being infected?? thankvyou in advance.
Hi Ada,
Between 5 and 15 days after your baby is born, the umbilical stump will dry out and drop off. After the stump comes off, it usually takes about 7 to 10 days for the belly button to heal completely.
So if she’s having stomach pains it could mean that there’s an infection. So please see the doctor about possible treatment.
Hi
My baby is just 12days old nd she’s on nvp her cord fall off and she’s having stomach pain pls what can I give her to stop the pains
Hi Catherine,
It’s not recommended to both bottle feed and breast feed your baby.
Mix feeding with both formula and breastmilk is not recommended because it can increase the risk of HIV to your baby. So you could use breastmilk only. Or you could use bottle feed only. But not both.
Please talk to the clinic and ask for help with the best way to feed your baby.
Hi I’m HIV positive can I bottle feed my baby and breast feed at night
Hi
My baby is 2weeks and given nevirapine I’m still sure of his status since we waiting for a second check-up. I’m using a formula feeding and he’s struggling with conspitation crying during poo, my question is Can I give buscopan for stomach cramps or water to make it easy and if not why are we instructed that when giving your child the treatment you do not give anything else not even pure water?
Hi Lee,
Please discuss your childs health issues with their doctor. They will advice you.
Hi Zama,
Yes it’s OK to switch from breastfeeding to formula, this won’t be an issue. Your child will still need to finish the course of nvp.
My baby is 10 days I’m positive, breastfeeding but I’m thinking of changing to formula.Hes taking nvp,will he be safe so??
Hi Yvonne,
No this won’t have any influence on your childs possible status.