Ellen, of course I understand. The NICU saved your baby's life, there was 
nothing you could have done to prevent his preterm birth. THAT type of 
situation was not what I was describing. 

Instead, I was speaking of a *preventable* (perhaps) preterm birth, with a 
then preventable stay in the NICU. NOT an indictment of all infants in the 
NICU, or their mothers.

Let's make an analogy with C Section Birth. Often, there are ways to prevent 
or avoid C Sections. We know that at least in many cases, C Sections were 
not medically necessary, and that mother and baby alike would have been 
better off with a vaginal birth. Many of these situations were due to 
unnecessary INTERVENTIONS. In some cases, avoiding the interventions could 
have avoided the C Section. 

Again, there are cases where nothing could have prevented the C Section. 
The Surgery in these cases then prevented much worse of an outcome than 
not performing it. In these situations, the baby and mother WERE better off 
with the C Section. 

That doesn't mean that we avoid talking about ways to avoid the 
interventions which can lead to C Section, based only on the fact that SOME 
women and babies can and do benefit from the procedure. 

It is a very similar scenes with the NICU and practices to avoid preterm birth 
WHEN that is a possibility. (As in my babies cases.) 

In the case provided, (a pregnant woman pumping her breasts to relieve what 
she perceived as "engorgement" A procedure not usually recommended NOR 
needed.) there was an unnecessary intervention, which may have (but didn't) 
lead to a more difficult outcome. 

In no way was it an indictment of ALL babies and moms who have benefited 
from the NICU. 

Peace,

From a mother of three, with three preterm labors, 3 3-6 month long bed 
rests, 3 C Sections, (after laboring with 2 of them.) Also, being present in the 
NICU during both my first and second pregnancy and seeing clients babies in 
the NICU. My opinions of NICU are that it can be a lifesaver, but that taking 
*unnecessary risks* that may end a baby there should probably not be taken 
by most pregnant women. And, as with C Section, no one would say it is ideal. 
Unavoidable, sometimes, but ideal by choice if avoidable, never. 

Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL
Private Practice 

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