Question
Can I mix feed?
3 May 2020. Related: All topics, Children.
I have a 10 weeks old infant and she tested negative at birth. However I\'m having sleepless nights, waiting in anticipation for her results as she got tested again when I took her for her 10 weeks vaccination. When I gave birth the doctor advised that I could mix feed since my CD4 count is 889 and viral load is undetectable but the nurse disagreed and said I should choose one so I chose breastfeeding. However, I have not disclosed my status at home and my mom constantly insists on mix feeding,solid feeding (cerealec) and giving her medication (Muthi wenyonyi,Qhuma,Lenon medicines,Panado,gripe water and Scott Emulsion) and now I’ve decided to stop breastfeeding once and for all. What are the chances of my daughter’s results coming out positive?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
What your doctor told you is wrong. Babies born to HIV positive mothers need to be either formula fed or breastfed. However, guidelines on which method to use vary depending on where it is that a woman lives. For example in the UK where i-base are based, women aren’t advised to breastfeed. However, in South Africa they are as long as their viral load is undetectable.
The important thing is that babies need to be either be formula feed or breastfeed, not both.
You’ve mentioned that your baby is also being give solids. Your baby is too young to be given solids and this includes porridge. Introducing solids too early can increase the risk of a baby being positive. Therefore, this is something that you’re going to need to think about.
Your child is being given a lot of things that they simply do not need. Unless your child is unwell all they need is milk and milk alone.
If your child is taking ARVs, (which they should be as your breastfeeding) you need to be careful of possible interactions. This is why it’s important to talk to your childs doctor first before giving them any other medication.
If you aren’t ready to tell your family about your status, this is of course up to you. You do however need to be very clear with them about what your baby can and can’t have.
Hello Lee and thank you for the question.
The guidelines about formula or breastfeeding change between countries.
That has to do with the access to formula, clean water and conditions to sterilise the bottles before feeding.
I can only answer about the situation in Europe where I am based.
So here, in the UK, you would be allowed to breastfeed if you wanted to.
Our guidelines (BHIVA) recommend formula but the healthcare professionals are asked to support mothers who want to breastfeed.
Depending on the guidelines where you are based you might be asked to bring your baby to the clinic more often for testing.
It is very important to be undetectable if you are breastfeeding, which means taking your medication as your doctor told you.
Some guidelines recommend breastfeeding OR formula. It is best to discuss with your clinic because they can offer support.
It is important that you read the below information though to understand:
https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/feeding-your-baby
https://www.chiva.org.uk/should-mothers-living-with-hiv-breastfeed-their-babies/
https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/feeding-your-baby-when-you-have-hiv
Hi, my baby turned 6 months yesterday. Can I give her formula milk and breastmilk?
Hi Dee, thanks, this is usually the best time to start to wean your baby onto solids. Please also speak to your clinic though as they will know more about you and your baby’s health and can support you in this.
Hi my baby turned six months yesterday can I now give her solids?
Hi Tshepisho, please talk to your clinic about the best way to feed your baby. This is because recommendations are different in each country. Babies should only have milk for the first 6 months.
Hi…my 6weeks baby tested nagetive during birth..I did mix feeding so can I stop now to avoid risk of infection?
Hi Ongeziwe, please talk to your clinic so they can support you over the next few months. They can also advise of different brands of milk. It is good you are careful with you own meds too. I am sorry life sounds complicated at the moment. Do you have and friends or family who could help you.
My daughter is 3 months next month and I want to stop breastfeeding because I want to work for her and I’m hiv and she is negative which formula is good for her to start with, I don’t want to stop breastfeeding but I have no choice I can’t even buy nappies for her I want to work now please help