Question

I only just became positive but was also breastfeeding?

1 April 2024. Related: All topics, Children, HIV transmission.

Hi there, I recently got diagnosed with HIV after having been negative (I tested routinely) meaning I recently got infected. My worry is that I was breastfeeding my 1 year old, what are the chances that they got infected too?

It’s been weeks waiting for the results with no feedback. Should I be worried? I stopped breastfeeding as soon as I found out but I think it could be a little too late

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Although this must have been difficult news, it is good you routinely tested and found out early.

You have done everything right by stopping breastfeeding now – and hopefully you have also started HIV meds.

Without knowing the rough times or your viral load results, it is difficult to talk about any risk in this situation.

It is always much better to look forwards though as there is a good chance that your baby will be fine. This will take a while to find out so please keep connected to your clinic so you both get good care. If it turns out that your baby is positive, they will be able to use early treatment which is very effective.

This is such a special time that it is important to enjoy being with your baby. Everything else will be okay.