Question
Has mixed feeding risked giving my baby HIV?
15 November 2021. Related: All topics, Children, HIV transmission, Southern Africa.
Good evening. I am an undetectable mother and I have given birth to an HIV negative baby. I used to mix feed him for the first month but on the 2nd month my nurse advised me to choose only one. Is it possible that I have put my child’s life at risk by mix feeding for a month? Or he will be still remain negative? He is on Nevirapine and I am still on ARVs
Answer
Hi, congratulations on your new baby. This must be an exciting time for you. How are you doing?
It is unlikely you have risked giving your child HIV, he most likely is still HIV negative. It is recommend that you do not mix feed your child but you have been on ARVs and your child is on Nevirapine.
You can reduce the risk now by choosing breast or formula, in South Africa breast feeding is recommended in the guidelines. But if you have access to formula and this is what you prefer this is just as good, if not better.
Remember you are doing an excellent job. If you have any more questions please do ask.
Josh
Hi Thandiswa, please do not worry. Babies only need milk for the first six months. If your baby is younger than this it is good you stopped the porridge. This won’t have affect the nevirapine though which will still have worked just as well.
May I ask
They gave my child a porridge I think 2 spoons I was not around but i stopped her immediately my child is taking nevirapine and I take my pills very well so may I ask if she is infected?