Q and A

Question

Will my baby be okay now I stopped giving him water?

My baby is 3 weeks 6 days, he is formula feeding and i just recently found out that i should not be giving him water when he is on nevirapine and i have stopped. What negative effects does this have on my son?

Answer

Hi

You are right that your baby doesn’t need water or any other foods – just the formula milk.

Now you have change to this it will be better.

Your son is likely to be fine now, but it is also good for your doctor and nurse to advise you on this.

Congratulations on your new son too.

154 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Prudence,

    Babies born to positive mothers should be given either formula or breast milk. Due to the increased risk of transmission they shouldn’t be mix fed. Feeding guidelines vary depending on where it is that someone lives. To ensure no risk, formula is the most appropriate method if it’s safe for you to use and is accessible.

  2. Prudence

    Hi am HIV and my son he is 13days Ive been giving him formula but he get constipated now am mix feeding breastfees and formula will this put him at risk

  3. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Mbalis,

    First, many congratulations on the news of your baby daughter.

    It’s great that you took HIV treatment throughout your pregnancy, and that you’re feeding her with only formula. It sounds like you’re doing all you can.

    But all babies born to HIV positive mothers are given a short course of HIV meds, like NVP.

    Please talk to your doctor about your daughter’s treatment. They can give you the best advice on her treatment.

  4. Mbalis

    Good day
    Im HIV positive mom my daughter is 5days old I was on treatment throughout my pregnancy, Im not breastfeeding only formula I received NVP syrup for her but I gave her only today will it affect her someway? I got her through C-section.

  5. Roy Trevelion

    Hi Khitha,

    First, many congratulations on the news of your new baby son.

    I’m sorry to hear about your cracked nipples. The good thing is that it sounds like you’re now feeding him with only formula milk.

    But it’s important to talk to your doctor or nurse about how long your baby needs to take nevirapine. So please ask for advice from your doctor about treatment for you and your baby, and ask about the best way to feed him too.

  6. Khitha

    My son is a week old and I was breastfeeding but now I have stopped due to cracked nipples. How long should I continue giving him nevarapine??

  7. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Nomcebo,

    Breastfeeding guidelines vary depending on where it is that a person lives. In the UK for example breastfeeding isn’t advised. If you can, please talk to your child’s’ doctor, they should be able to give you some advice.

  8. Nomcebo

    Hi if l continue to breastfeed my baby until she turns 1 atleast is it safe for her? because she is 6mnths now Nd l was breastfeeding her Nd she doesn’t want formula

  9. Lisa Thorley

    Hi Amy,

    If you’re asking if it’s safe to put put your breast milk into your babies eyes, the simple answer is no. If your child has issues with their eyes, they need to see a doctor.

  10. Amy

    Hi. I’m HIV positive, and my 7 months old baby is negative. He has eyes problems, can I use my breast milk for my baby’s eyes?

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