I should start by thanking everyone for all the special help I have received
for previous postings.  I am always amazed by the knowledge and generosity
of time shown by other readers.  

I am hoping there are other people who have encountered this same concern
and will benefit from any information/advice posted.

The hospital where I work as a Lactation Consultant has recently recieved
and reviewed the "Guidelines for Perinatal Care" (fifth edition) which
appears to be put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics and The American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and "Supported in part by the
March of Dimes".

The concern that has been brought to me is about the storage of mother's
milk that is pumped and stored in our nursery refrigerator, later to be fed
to our special care babies.  On pages 230-231, this book states, "Although
mothers who are HBsAg positive may breastfeed their neonates after the
neonates have received hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccine, it is
preferable not to store breast milk that is potentially contaminated with
hepatitis B virus in the nursery."  Because of it's sources, this book seems
to be well respected by our nurses and doctors.

My question is:   Do any of you work in an area where you have developed a
protocol to address this conern--"storing breast milk that is potentially
contaminated"?  I understand that the antibodies from the mother against
hepatitis B (within the milk) provide protection to the baby.  Can this be a
valid concern for contamination of other milk stored in the nursery
refrigerator?  Are there special precautions that other facilities are
taking?   

I have checked the archives and did not find information that answered our
concern.  I would really appreciate any advise or information any of you have. 

Thanks, Elayne Clubb RN, BSN, IBCLC

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