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.
Do I give my baby a dose of nevaripine daily while feeding her with formula??
Hi Lira, Nevirapine is usually given as a short course from birth for 4-6 weeks. The course may be extended depending on the babies risk of getting HIV. If you are undetectable and baby is doing well it is unlikely you would need to continue with the course of Nevirapine. Talking to your doctor will help explain why the course has only lasted this long and if your baby needs any more or not.
My baby boy was born on the 25th of October and his Nvp finished today on the 20th of November, should I go and get another one for him?
Hi Thabile,
How are you coping with your diagnoses? Are you getting any support? Have you started medication yet?
With regards to your daughter, are you saying that you’re still breastfeeding your daughter who is 5? If this is the case and you’ve just been diagnosed with HIV your daughter needs to be tested for HIV. Your daughter needs to be tested because there is a risk of transmission when breastfeeding.
I just found out that I’m hiv positive and I have a5 year old she sometimes sucks my breasts is it possible that she might have hiv
Hi Zee,
Babies shouldn’t really need water, all they need is milk. Is there any reason why you want to give your baby water?
Hi my baby is on Neverapin l do formula feed can l give her water
Hi Nompilo,
Please consult your babies doctor about this.
I was breastfeeding for 1 month and today I’ve switched to formula feeding since my baby didn’t want to be breastfeeded, I used a breast pump to suck the milk for a month, what I’m asking is can I still continue giving her the nevaparine or I should stop and only give her vitamins?!
Hi Desiree,
Info on treatment for babies can be found here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/will-baby-need-hiv-drugs As to how long your baby will need to take ARVs this will depend on where it is that you live and if you’re breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding then your baby will need to take ARVs.