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….what i could like to know is that my daddy doesn’t know about my status and he sometimes(2/3 times in a month) feeds my baby just a small amount of smashed potatoes or pap from when he was 3 months old now he’s 4 months old….are the chances of my baby high or low because his first results came out negative???
Hi Bongeka,
Yes your baby can be given formula, that won’t be an issue. With formula there’s no risk, so for many people this is the best option.
Hi Thaluki,
Yes it’s OK to change to formula, so if this is something that you want to do, then you can change.
With regards to breastfeeding, if your viral load is undetectable the risk to your child will be minimal. However, breastfeeding guidelines vary from country to country.
Hi I’m HIV Positive..my baby is 10 weeks and m breastfeeding only,am always scared that my baby will be infected
Is it safe to chance to formula??
Hi.o was under a lot of stress.my baby is 2 days old and my breast does not have milk at all o had to buy formilar is it gonna be a problem
Hi Lydia,
First, many congratulations on the news of your new baby son. It’s great that he tested negative at birth.
As Lisa says on this Q&A, babies who are this young don’t need water. What they need is milk, and milk alone.
The best thing to do would be to speak to your baby’s doctor. They will be able to advise you best about feeding him.
Hi
Im hiv p n my baby tested negative at birth. N m breastfeeding now i dound out that my mom gave my son glucose water wen im at work n its been 2 weeks giving him. Pls advice
Hi Lindi,
First, many congratulations on the birth of your new baby boy. It’s great that he tested HIV negative.
But it’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse if your baby has any stomach problems. Please ask your doctor about the best way to feed your baby. They can give the best advice about this because they know about your baby’s health.
Hi I am hiv+ and my baby tested negative at birth.i have been breastfeeding for the past two weeks.my family gave him muthi twice.can this change his status?
Hi Linda,
First congratulations on the news of your 5 month old baby. It’s good to hear that she tested HIV negative.
Please talk to your doctor or nurse about the best way to feed your baby. Formula only feeding should be fine. But if you do stop giving her your milk, its better that you don’t mix feed with breastmilk and formula milk. Mix feeding can increase HIV risk to your baby.
So please talk to your doctor or nurse about the best way to feed your baby. That’s including if it’s the right time to start giving her soft food.