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.
Hi Zama, congratulations on having a baby. If you intend to switch back from formula to only breastfeeding the risk is minimal and this would be encouraged. It is recommended to breastfeed. If you are intending to breast and formula feed at the same time this can increase the risk of transmission. In this case it would be recommended to continue with formula. When baby is 6 months and older they can have other sources of food added to their diet.
I have a new born I choose breastfeeding, when he was born they take him to the nursery and they were giving him formula what the risk because I continued with breastfeeding
Hi Mpho, congratulations on having a baby, does baby have their own treatment? Usually they are given nevirapine. There is some increased risk with adding formula alongside breast feeding. This is because the formula can irritate baby’s tummy and this means they are more at risk of transmission via breastmilk. Would you consider only using formula? If this is not the case, as you have a low viral load and if baby and you are on treatment, the risk will remain low. How much formula do you think baby needs?
Hello my name is Mpho ai have 6 weeks baby and breastfeeding my viral load is 526 and he is negative but I don’t have enough milk cann I give him a formula as well
Hi Mbusi, congratulations on having a baby. As baby is being formula fed there is no further risk of HIV transmission from being given water. Constipation can be a common problem for babies being formula fed. This is a link from the NHS with some advise on how to help baby: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/constipation/
Hellow….7 weeks baby on formula fed from birth and giving a 30mls of water since she’s constipated and she’s on bactrim what are the risks of her being hiv positive
Hi Vee, congratulations on having a baby. Do you know the name of this other medication? As you are on ART with an excellent viral load, it is likely that nevirapine is sufficient to protect baby against HIV. Have you had a recent viral load test? As you have been giving baby this second medication everyday, it is still going to have some effect on baby’s health even though only one dose has been given each day.
This is a link for helping to boost breastmilk: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/enough-milk/ Mixed feeding is not often recommended as this can sometimes increase the risk of transmission. Though as you are on medication with a likely suppressed viral load, this risk is very minimal. It is better to have a fed baby than for baby to be missing feeds if breast alone is not suitable.
Hello.
I have a 5 weeks baby and I am breast feeding, I am on Art cd4 count was 500 when I tested and giving the baby his nevirapine. I was given 2 baby meds at the hospital. The other one is supposed to be given twice a day but I only find out recently written on the paper all along I was giving him once a day actually I forgot…. Are there any chances that my baby can be positive,? He was tested negative after birth…
And he crying out of hunger my breast milk is getting finished, what can I do to boost my milk I am planning to give him formula as well since he is not getting enough milk…
Hi Mrs Jackson.
Breastfeeding guidelines vary depending on where it is that someone lives. However, if you want to ensure that there’s no rik, then formula is the preferred option and this is even if your viral load is undetectable.
Hello.. Im from Nigeria.. My baby has been on formula since birth but am so worried.. my viral load is very low n I also give her nevirapine.. Can I still breastfeed?