Infant and child feeding

Clinical description

• Feeding recommendations are the same for all infants, regardless of HIV exposure or HIV

infection status.

• Give only breast milk up to age 6 months.
• Gradually start complementing breastfeeding with suitable hygienically prepared foods from

age 6 months (such as Likuni Phala, fruits, vegetables, beans, ground nuts and soya).

• Aim to stop breastfeeding around age 22 months, so that the final HIV test can be done at age

24 months (6 weeks after breastfeeding has stopped).

• Stop breastfeeding gradually over a period of 1 month (no rapid cessation).
• Replacement feeding (formula) is NOT recommended unless women are unable to breast feed.
• Monitor weight, height and MUAC according to schedule using standard MOH charts and intervene

if no adequate weight-gain.

• Give only medicines prescribed by a health professional.
• Start breastfeeding immediately after birth. Explain and observe optimal breastfeeding:

o Empty both breasts properly to avoid breast engorgement.

o Ensure proper attachment and positioning to minimize nipple cracks and fissures.

o Watch out for signs of breast infection (pain, swelling, heat, redness)

• Don’t feed baby from infected breast. Express infected breast to avoid engorgement.

Discard expressed milk – do not feed to baby.

• Go to health facility for treatment. Refer to latest Malawi Standard Treatment

Guidelines 108 Newborn care and postnatal follow up