Greetings!

I have enjoyed reading a few recent postings, however, I am new to this
list.  I would appreciate your comments on the following situation:

My close friend delivered a 7 month baby 3 days ago.  She was 3 lbs 4 oz,
and got a 9 9 Apgar!

Perhaps her good condition was partly due to the fact that my friend had an
excellent diet and was more or less prepared for a preemie.  The doctor had
been able to give my friend steroids for a while, since they expected a
premature birth over a week before it happened.  My friend's water broke a
couple of weeks ago, and it leaked out slowly.

The baby girl is in the NICU #2, the less intensive level, today.  She is
breathing on her own, and they even took the breathing monitor off of her!
My friend said the doctor won't let her breastfeed this baby, though, at least
not yet.  A nurse said something about how my friend's doctor didn't
breastfeed her own babies, and doesn't have faith in the process, according
to a nurse.   In any case, the baby girl is getting breastmilk, but
previously frozen, which I heard isn't as good as on tap.  Apparently the
baby's suckling is great.  My friend said something about "they're afraid
she'll get too much milk for her digestive system, since her sucking is so
strong."

My question is, why aren't they letting this baby breastfeed?  Can you think
of any good reasons?  I can't ask the doctor myself, and my friend doesn't
want to get "out of line" and have the doctor turn against her, so is afraid
to ask questions like that.  Is it really possible for a preemie to get too
much breastmilk?

Another question, are any of you familiar with the Kangaroo Method?

I am posting my questions on the preemies list, also.  Many thanks in
advance for your replies and comments!




Maria Minno
Dr. Marc C. Minno
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600 NW 35th Terrace
Gainesville FL 32607-2441
(352)375-3028
http://www.afn.org/~afn10853/index.htm