-----Original Message-----
From: Rachel Brusseau <[log in to unmask]>
To: Joan/Robin MacNeil <[log in to unmask]>
Date: 31-Dec-97 4:09
Subject: Re: breast milk research


>I'm having problems posting to LACTNET. My email address changes servers
>with every mailing....anyhow..... I wonder if you could post this to
>LACTNET for me??? If not, no problem.
>
>"Subject: Used bm storage times
>Today I just finished the preliminary colony counts in my "used breast
>milk" study. Please keep in mind these are only preliminary results.
>They represent one of three serial dilutions. (I still have to count the
>other two). Also, my thesis advisor has not yet looked at the figures,
>because he is still on Christmas vacation.
>
>I took bm that was freshly pumped, partially eaten out of a bottle, and
>then stored in the refrigerator for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hours
>and compared the bacteria growth with breast milk that was pumped and
>stored in the refrigerator for the same amount of time. I only had three
>participants, but the results were pretty consistent.
>
>In all three participants the bacteria counts consistently DECREASED
>over time in both the used and control milk. The used milk counts were
>slightly higher with an average maximum count of 9000 cfu/ml, while the
>control milk had an average maximum count of 6000 cfu/ml. At 48 hours
>the average count for the used milk was 2500 cfu/ml, and the average
>count for the control milk was 1500 cfu/ml.
>
>There is conflicting data on "acceptable" bacteria counts for healthy
>babies. Sources vary from maximum levels of 1000 cfu/ml to 10,000
>cfu/ml. In addition, some sources require NO enteropathogens.
>
>I have not yet began the qualitative part of the study, but I thought
>someone might appreciate this quick update.
>
>Sincerely
>Rachel Brusseau
>Senior (almost a BS in Biology)
>[log in to unmask]"
>