Hi,

Just wanted to say that a local mom had her in-utero baby diagnosed with spina
bifida, and surgery was successfully completed on the baby in-utero (at a
teaching hospital in Nashville, Tennessee).  The baby was born several weeks
later, and both mom and baby did very well.

Of course, in contrast to the modern "miracle" surgery, all the nursery
conventions were in the "dark ages" concerning breastfeeding protocol.  There
was no physical obstacle to nursing--the spinal area had healed perfectly
during the time the baby was in the womb.  In spite of all the initial
hospital interference with the nursing relationship, the mom kept pumping and
trying, and the baby did manage to get back to breastfeeding some weeks after
returning home.  He has not even needed to have a shunt.

This mom has been wondering if any study has been conducted on the outcome of
babies with spina bifida who are breastfed vs. those who have been formula
fed, especially as regards the subsequent need for a shunt.

Thanks for any info, and I'd be happy to forward names of those interested in
contacting this mom....
Lisa Mo
LLL Leader
Bowling Green, KY