Question
Does my baby need to take NVP?
3 May 2021. Related: All topics, Children.
I’ve positive and have a baby. I decided not to breastfeed my baby, do they still need to take NVP?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
All babies who are born to positive mothers need to take a course of ARVs, this is even if the baby isn’t being breastfeed. For more info, please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy/will-baby-need-hiv-drugs ARVs are given as a precaution.
Hi Happiness,
If your viral load is undetectable your baby should be OK. However, as I’ve said you should talk to your child’s doctor.
It’s been a month now without using NVP because I was told to stop….I’m worried now. If then I am given it again,won’t I be too late?
Hi Happiness,
If your viral load is undetectable, then your baby should be OK. There is however still a slight risk. Ideally your baby should be still using ARVs. If it’s possible to go back to the clinic, it might be worth asking why your baby has been given an antibiotic and not ARVs.
No …they explained nothing… they just gave me and only told me that the co-trimaxezole is the same as doctrim.I’m from South Africa.
Hi Happiness,
The medication that your baby is now taking is an antibiotic, it isn’t an ARV. Did the clinic explain to you why they were changing your babies medication?
Breastfeeding guidelines vary depending on where it is that someone lives. In the UK where we’re based, breastfeeding isn’t recommended. However, if you live in a country, for example in Sub Saharan Africa then breastfeeding is often recommended, please see here: https://www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/arv2013/download/en/
If your viral load is undetectable the risk will be minimal.
Good day. I’m an HIV positive mother and I gave birth to a negative baby girl. I was given nevirapine and zidovudine at birth.
During my 6 weeks visit, they gave me doctrim suspension only and was told to stop nevirapine and zidovudine.
I was told to come back @ 10 weeks for PCR test. I was given Co-trimexazole suspension for my baby as I wait for her results that I’ll get at the next visit.
I am breastfeeding my baby. Will they be okay?