[punchkin]

Hi all! I need some advice if anyone has any. I have a new baby tonight. He was just released from the hospital this evening. Yes, he is a newborn. A little over 5 pds.
My concern is this. Mom is a IV drug user. HIV, and HEP C positive. The baby doesn't have it as of now and has been started on azt as a preventive. He will also have to be tested from time to time. According to the dr's there is only a 2% chance that he will develope it. There is no one to take this baby and mom doesn't even have a chance. It's a very complicated situation. I'm not worried for me, but I would like to know if anyone has any experience with this kind of SITUATION.
And yes, if he goes to adoption, we will be honored to call him son, positive or not.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

[henderfive]

Hello punchkin, I took in a drug exposed newborn almost 2 years ago. Not with HIV or Hep. but he was very fragile. I spoke with a couple that had experience with this and got some good advice. Wear gloves when changing the baby,or if he gets a runny nose use gloves to clean his mucus. Just until all the test are complete. Also if he becomes very fussy I was told to stand in a luke warm shower and let the water hit he's back. That also helped. It seems to sooth them and not make them feel trapped by being held at the same time. Sometimes holding them can hurt them more then just letting them cry. Also see if you can find any support groups in your area dealing with drug exposed babies, if not books might help. My foster sons speech therapst was putting such a group together because these babies get put in homes with no instructions on what to do in difficult times. With group support this would stop a lot of babies being placed from home to home because the foster parents have no recourse. Maybe after all this you could start a support group to help out others, Good luck to you, you are an angel.

[punchkin]

Thanks for the advice Henderfive. I've dealt with many drug exposed kids, but this situation is a first for me. I will take precautions. I will be the only one changing his diaper for now as I want to protect my kids as well. He is such a sweetie.

[JSAUNTIE]

I just wanted to congrats on the new little one our little man doesnt have HIV but he has MRSA and is a carrier so I have to do precautions it can be a pain but I will tell you the hospital recomends the use of like purel and other germ killers as well as lots of hand washing. I am sure he will be a joy and good luck.

[punchkin]

Thanks JSAUNTIE, he is ajoy and so perfect. I love watching him sleep, but the best part is when he wakes in the wee hours and I get to spend some alone time with him. Thanks again for the info, and I will keep your little one in my prayers.

[KT08]

I just wanted to add that even if a baby tests positive for HIV early on, he will sometimes revert back to negative as he gets a little older. So, don't be alarmed if he does test positive at some point. He could be just forming antibodies and may not develop the infection.

The HIV test is actually a test for the presence of antibodies, not for the presence of the virus.

I am a former HIV testing counselor and I spent a lot of time with HIV+ clients. The majority of babies born to HIV+ mothers do not become HIV+ themselves.

That said, treat the baby as if he were HIV+, meaning use "universal precautions." Use gloves EVERY TIME you change his poopy diaper. Don't share a toothbrush or utensils with the baby or drink after him, although transmission through saliva is extremely rare. Obviously be aware of a bloody nose or any sort of blood spills.

Don't be afraid to hug and kiss the baby. That's fine. He needs lot of touching and cuddling.

[punchkin]

KT08- Thanks so much for sharing that info with me. It has helped more than you know.

[HappyMommy106]

There is a website called "Mothering" that has a message board. They have a forum on Adoptive Parenting. There are several threads there on HIV+ kids and several moms who have adopted kids who full blown have AIDS - people who have other kids in the home. They have some resources and links. It would be a good resource for you. If you have trouble finding the site, LMK and I will help you find it.

[punchkin]

Happymommy106- Thanks for the info. I did find the site it it has been helpful. Thank you so much for giving it to me.