Having children
Looking after yourself post-partum
For a range of reasons, even the most resilient woman can become emotionally vulnerable after childbirth. For women with HIV, the overwhelming life changes brought about by a new baby can be compounded by anxiety about the future.

The joy of giving birth may also bring self-doubt, exhaustion, and guilt about any negative feelings you may have. If your delivery did not go as planned, you may feel some disappointment, pain or anger. The constant demands of an infant combined with your recovery from childbirth can be exhausting. You may have nagging fears that your child has HIV despite evidence to the contrary. That anxiety is very understandable, especially as your baby will need to continue to be tested for HIV until 18 months of age. Make sure you get your paediatrician and HIV doctor to make time to talk with you about your fears.