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 im hiv positive mother to 3 months old son his first results were negative than i mixed feed the baby while on NVP how are chances for him to be infected ? I stopped mix fed the very sameday i found out it is not safe to mixed fed that time he was 6 weeks old, n now im impatient waiting for results and scared at the same time.
Hi Desiree,
I’m sorry but I don’t know what scopex syrup is, can you please let us know what’s in it.
Hi I am Lera
I tested positive in 2012 and forever since been taking my meds, I gave birth dis year I am also breastfeeding and my viral load is lower than detectable however, my baby tested negative once and my family started giving her scopex syrup because she is crying a lot as if she has stomach cramps will that affect her hiv status?
Hi Lucia,
That’s great news that your baby has tested HIV negative. It sounds like you’re taking HIV meds and only breastfeeding your son. So you’re doing all you can.
But it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or nurse to check what’s the best way to feed him. That’s because they know you and your son and can give you the best advice. Can you call them if you want immediate advice?
My baby is 5 months was tested negative two times and today my neighbor gave him porridge and water should I stop breastfeeding immediately?
Hi Mpho,
Babies can get a running stomach for numerous reasons, if possible please consult a doctor and make sure the baby is hydrated.
Hi im HIV+mom and my baby has been taking ilvitrim but now its been two days having a running stomach is this Normal
Hey HIV+ mother and I’m breast feeding my baby he is 5 month and my viral load is undetecteble my baby tested negative after birth and also in two months still came negative then he was taking novatrim suspension so I decide to give my baby formula milk because of I didn’t get the medicine in the clinic and I’m worried that my baby can be affected that why I change my baby to formula milk
Hi Pinky,
If your baby has already had 2 negative tests, this is great news. It’s OK to switch to formula. Your baby will need to be tested again, as testing in babies is different to adults. However, your viral load is undetectable, so there’s minimal risk.
Hi D,
First I’d like to say many congratulations on the news of your new baby boy.
It’s great that his first results came out negative. I guess you are taking HIV treatment and viral load is undetectable. So it looks like you’re doing all you can.
If you are formula feeding only there’s no increased risk of HIV to your baby. But please discuss the best way to feed your baby with the nurse or doctor. They can give the best advice because they know about your baby’s health. They can also give the best advice on feeding soft food too.