Formula Milk

What is it?

Our free infant formula milk service eliminates the small risk of HIV transmission through breastfeeding and provides much-needed reassurance to families.

Due to advances in HIV treatment and care, the number of babies born with HIV has dropped significantly in recent years. Providing free infant formula not only protects newborns, but also alleviates the financial burden on families, especially in the context of rising living costs. 

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) 2018 guidelines on infant feeding state:

"In the UK and other high-income settings, the safest way to feed infants born to women with HIV is with formula milk, as there is on-going risk of HIV exposure after birth. We therefore continue to recommend that women living with HIV feed their babies with formula milk"

George House Trust is funded by local authorities in Greater Manchester and Liverpool to provide this service.

What can I expect?

The service provides free infant formula, along with a complete feeding set and baby bottle steriliser if these are needed. George House Trust also offer ongoing support to birth parents living with HIV for the first 12 months of their baby's life. Formula milk is supplied in monthly instalments, which can either be delivered via a supermarket delivery service or purchased by the service user, with reimbursement available when proof of purchase is supplied. Free formula ends when the baby reaches 12 months old.

Who is it for?

Any birth parents living with HIV who have a baby aged 0-12 months are eligible. The birth parent should reside within any local authority of Greater Manchester or Liverpool City local authority.

Where is it?

Birth parents are referred by their antenatal or HIV clinics to the scheme via the secure George House Trust online referral system. Self-referrals are accepted but George House Trust will check with your HIV clinic for confirmation of your pregnancy and HIV status.

Who do I contact?

For more information about our Formula service, call 0161 274 4499 or email adela@ght.org.uk