Question

Is baby at risk if I am mixed feeding?

3 June 2023. Related: All topics, Children, HIV transmission.

I’m taking my ART and my baby is on trimoxazole oral suspension. Will my baby be positive if I mix feed him?

Answer

Answer: Josh Peasegood

Hi, how are you doing?

Congratulations on having a baby.

How old is baby? If baby is younger than 6 months there is still some risk of transmission. Though this is a very small risk.

It is great that baby is on trimoxazole. This is used to prevent other infections. It is not used to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

As you are on your own treatment risk to baby is very small. Mixed feeding increases risk of transmission due to causing irritation to baby’s tummy. It is because of this irritation that there is some increased risk of transmission.

Josh.