I agree with Laurie that the message the doctor is giving the mom is that her milk is unable to provide everything for her baby - and that is sad!
Would it be possible for her to discuss with the doctor how this is making her feel? Many doctors don't realize how this affects the long-term breastfeeding rate.
Perhaps she could ask him if she could have blood tests, and if it is needed, perhaps using iron drops instead of formula?
This baby was not so premature, but it may be of concern, especially if mom herself was anemic during pregnancy - we don't know.
I like to encourage dialogue between the doctor and mom - it also helps to get her used to asking questions and advocating for her baby.
Jeanette
--- On Fri, 3/5/10, laurie wheeler <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
From: laurie wheeler <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Need ur suggestion
To: "Seema Karki" <[log in to unmask]>
Cc: [log in to unmask], "jeanette" <[log in to unmask]>, "Jane Barger" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, March 5, 2010, 4:34 PM
Hi Seema, Because the baby was a bit early, and because the baby was SGA, that is perhaps the reason the dr. feels the baby needs extra iron. I would counsel mom that most babies who are totally breastfeeding and doing well would not need additional iron, and that the iron in mother's milk is absorbed so much better. That you cannot be sure why the dr. feels this baby needs additional iron, but that mother certainly can discuss with the dr. that she desires exclusive bf and does not wish to have milk supply problems or resume fertility too early by using regular formula bottles. She can tell dr that she is working very hard to get baby to breast. She can ask what signs or symptoms would she have to watch for, and could the baby have a test to see if he really really needs the iron. Sometimes moms are just not aware they can state what their wishes are and what alternatives are available. Very rarely is there just one way to do things.
Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
Mississippi USA
On Fri, Mar 5, 2010 at 5:05 PM, Seema Karki <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
I have a permission to post,
This mom had a baby at 37wks 5. 7lb. normal Delivery. Supplement was started at the hospital for SGA, too sleepy to nurse( acc to mom).
( She could not nurse her first baby because she thought she did not have enough milk)
Was having difficult time to latch, mom started to pump, supply has been very good. mom is feeding EBM from bottle, sometimes she put baby to breast. , she has not needed formula. Baby is a month old., gaining weight well
Her pediatrician told her to give formula once a day for Iron without checking Hg .I was surprised, Mother is healthy with good supply.
Now she gives formula once a day even she has a good supply.
Any suggestion?
Seema karki
Seema Karki,RN,IBCLC
***********************************************
Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome
|
