Hi Katherine,

The doctor is flat-out wrong.  Period.

I have C and D antibodies.  D antibodies are also known as Rh
antibodies.  C antibodies are also antibodies that can cross the
placenta and cause hemolytic anemia in the fetus.  Rhogam prevents the
formation of D antibodies but Rhogam "failed" in my case.  Anyway, my
third son was born last June crash c-section because he had a huge
sustained heart decel during an interuterine blood transfusion.  He was
also mid-to-high zone II and had become severely anemic (crit of 17) at
31.5 weeks gestation.  We were doing the interuterine transfusion with
the hopes of getting him closer to term.  He had a full exchange
transfusion at 12 hours of age and did very well after that.  My son is
now 9.5 months old (7.5 mos adjusted) and has just started solid foods
in the last month or so.  Until starting solids he has never taken
anything by mouth except my breastmilk and he has thrived.

The antibodies for Rh(D) and C are present in breastmilk but are
destroyed in the baby's gut.  D and C antibodies are only a danger
during pregnancy if the baby is C+/D+.  Breastfeeding is *not*
contraindicated for Rh incompatibility.  Ruth Lawrence says so in her
text.  Let me know if you want that resource.  However, the doctor
should be the one to prove that Rh incompatibility is contraindicated
for breastfeeding.  He won't be able to prove it.

My son was born at 4lbs 10ozs at 31.5 weeks, weighed 9lbs at 40 weeks
and is now 18lbs.  All on my breastmilk.  The NICU where he stayed was
fabulous at supporting us with breastfeeding (University of Washington
Medical Center, Seattle...hi Ginna, Christy, et al!).

Please feel free to pass on my email address to this mom if she's
interested in talking to someone who has BTDT.  I've been through it all
with the Rh stuff and it's very frightening...outcomes are usually
excellent though.

Kathleen Salisbury
LLL of Gig Harbor, WA State


>>>>>>>>>>>hello all.  i am needing some quick answers.  i have searched the archives
and found nothing.  i met today with a mother due to be induced (36
weeks)
next wednesday due to c and d antibody incompatability.  it is likely
that
this baby will get a transfusion after birth and also be jaundiced.  dr.
told me that mom had mid zone 2 amnios.  she also stated that it was
likely
that this baby could not receive breastmilk for as long as 4-6 weeks.
is
this true or are there options?  what questions do i need to ask?  dr.
is
very supportive of mom pumping and storing breastmilk until it can be
used.

i am not a medical professional and this is something i have never dealt
with before.  what do i need to know to support this mother with
breastfeeding her baby?  please respond to list and privately so that i
receive reponses as quickly as possible.

thanks in advance,

katherine wilson-thompson
wic peer counselor
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