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 Ntosh,
Its perfectly fine to give your baby formula. The important thing is that you don’t mix feed.
Hi m HIV+ no babe is 3wk n on nvp and was breastfeeding now I change to formula bcoz m going back to work nextmnth.. Is there anything rong with that
Hi Beauty,
Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
Its not possible for someone to say if a baby is positive or not. This is why babies need to be tested. If your viral load was undetectable when you gave birth, the risks are drastically reduced.
I’m HIV+ n my baby is 3weeks old I give a shot of 1.5ml of nevirapine everyday at the same and I’m also taking my meds daily but im afraid that she might test + in 6weeks . what’s are her chances of being + or – ,
Hi Sammy,
Its not recommended to mix feed babies with formula and breast milk.Therefore, you’ll need to deiced which one you’d like to give your baby.
I’m an HIV+ mother and I’ve been breastfeeding for 8months……she’s been tested before and was HIV- ……..is mixed feeding safe at this stage?
Dear Juliet, As Lisa says here, babies need milk not gripe water. But she didn’t mean that giving your baby gripe water would mean she might test positive. Can you talk to your doctor about your baby’s treatment? And about your treatment too? Where do you live Juliet, there might be local support that can help.
My baby is 1 month and HIV +;baby given adco zidovudine syrup 2tym daily and syrup and suspension for 6weeks.but I was Neva TLD of caring for bby and gave her gripe water and Lennon.she tested neg at birth and am breastfeeding.what should I do
Hi Nande, All babies need to take a short course of HIV drugs for the first four weeks of life, if their mother is HIV positive. In the UK your baby should be tested for HIV after being born, again at six weeks and again when 3 months old. You can find out more here.
hi am hiv + mom and my baby is gonna be 6 weeks on 12 march he tested – hes on nevirapine and am formula feeding and the nurse told me to give him water and the doctor where they circumsize him they give him panado and antibiotic i just want to ask if my baby is safe he won’t be + plz