A friend of mine had the same thing happen. She did end up nursing the baby for 4 years.  Although, there were supply issues.  Over 80% of women who have this happen die.  She is a very, very lucky woman.
Melissa Senf, IBCLC, RN

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Mattingly, Jessica
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 12:08 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Breastfeeding following amniotic fluid embolism

PTP

Mother had a planned cesarean at 36 weeks for a complete previa (mom also had GD). Immediately after the baby was born mom experienced a cardiac event which is now believed to have been an amniotic fluid embolism. Dr immediately began chest compression, code was called and mom survived.  She was in the ICU for a little over 48 hours, but began pumping about 24 hours after the birth.  We are now about 84 hours pp (3.5 days).  Mom is attempting to pump regularly, but finds it painful due to several broken ribs.  She also finds the after-pains particularly uncomfortable - she believes due to a stapled incision.  She is not getting any colostrum through either hand expression or pumping.  As I'm writing this I also realize that she does look like she has some fairly significant edema so I think that having her discontinue pumping completely and go strictly to hand expression tomorrow would be wise - thoughts?

What else can we expect from here?  She struggled with supply with her first born and we had discussed things prior to her birth (she hung out at the hospital for nearly a month before the cesarean) and it seems likely management related - though I was suspicious about undiagnosed PCOS.  She had been taking marshmallow root for several days prior to delivery, but has not taken anything since the birth.  Baby was on IV for the first 48 hours and is now being bottle-fed formula as they work to wean from the IV.  I have very little say in NICU feeding policies, but can give information to mom who will work the staff.

Any ideas/ thoughts would be welcome.

Jessica Mattingly, M.Ed., LLLL, IBCLC
St. Mary's Birth Center
Blue Springs, MO


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