The concept of contamination and hand washing goes right back to why EVERYONE
touching the expressed breastmilk needs to be wearing gloves. Maybe those of
us thinking it was to protect the milk were not too far off afterall. (When
I receive medical care for myself or my children I freak out if they don't
wash hands and glove up, and trust me, it is not because I worry for
them....I just can't be sure what they touched before they came into my room.
And yes, I have had to ASK nurses to please wash and glove up before touching
a bleeding injury.)
When I read about breastmilk being contaminated and babies dying, I read
"contaminated" not just breastmilk. It was the contamination that caused the
death, not the fact that it was breastmilk. Okay,yes, the contamination
would not likely have happened to the formula since it comes ready to feed,
etc... but formula carries its own risks. And, I wonder if perhaps it would
have still been possible for the baby to contract the illness that caused the
death even if not receiving breastmilk just by virtue of other contact
depending on the source of contamination. There needs to be more education
about the importance of hygiene, sterilizing, etc. for the mother expressing.
Because we know the importance of protecting the baby's milk, maybe
screening the mothers of the babies at risk, screening their milk, and then
being sure of safety would eliminate some of these risks. Is there always a
follow up investigation of the breastmilk and/or formula the babies were
being fed to check for contamination?
This information is important to me, even though I am not a nurse working in
NICU. I can be sure to remind moms to be sure they are washing their hands
before pumping, and keeping their pump collection systems clean. Is there
other things those of us supporting moms who are pumping should be paying
attention to when moms are pumping for their fragile babies?
Considering the possibility that there are "risks" associated with breastmilk
feeding for at risk babies, does not alter the reality of its
superiority....After all, if the risk of breastmilk contamination does not
outweigh its importance, it must be very important. All in the
perspective.....
This issue does not excuse the formula companies' and pharmaceutical
companies' behavior, or lessen the importance of protecting breastfeeding.
If anything, it underscores the importance of protecting something so vital
to the life of preemies.
Thank you to the neonatologists and physicians and nurses still fighting to
be sure babies receive the very best of normal....
Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC
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