Question
I missed a dose of ARVs while breastfeeding. Is my baby at risk?
26 January 2022. Related: Adherence, All topics, Children.
Hi, I missed taking my ARVs last night and I’m breastfeeding, will this affect my baby? The reason I missed my dose is because i’m visiting home so I left them at my place. Can I continue breastfeeding until my next dose tonight or must I take it immediately when I get them from the clinic?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Congratulations on your new baby. Missing a single dose is not going to risk yours or your babies health. You can continue taking your ARVs as you normally do, there is no need to take an additional dose.
HIV medication remains active in the body longer than 24 hours. Missing a single dose is not a long enough time for the medication to stop working. It is also not enough time for HIV to start replicating. You can continue to breastfeed your baby in this time.
Josh.
Hi Chichi and thanks for getting in touch.
Congratulation on your baby, you must be over the moon.
I believe cracked nipples are a contraindication to breast feeding.
Do you have access to baby formula?
Please discuss this further with your midwife.
In the meantime please see this guide we have in the UK with information about breast feeding:
https://bhiva.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/infant-feeding-leaflet-1.pdf
https://bhiva.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/BF-Leaflet-1.pdf
Am taking my meds as told, haven’t skipped a day or missed time, but I have cracked nipples will this affect my baby