Subject: Expectant Mother with MRSA---should she be encouraged to breastfeed ? Hello Fellow Lactnetters ! Last nite at a Neonatal ICU staff meeting, care plans were discussed for an expectant mother in isolation on antepartum with MRSA [ Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus Aureus ]---36 weeks gestation---for her delivery and post-partum care. Apparently the mother is "colonized" with Staph. Aureus in the axillae and perineal areas, and has " boils " on her breasts and nipple areas. She will have this condition [MRSA] for the rest of her life, and other family members have it as well. It has resulted for the overuse of the family of Methicillin [ Penicillin ] antibiotics. When I asked if this mother was planning to breastfeed, the reply was " I hope not, especially with the boils on her breasts!" Staff appear more concerned about RDS (Respiratory Distress Disorder) and Hypoglycemia complications that this baby may experience at birth---which is understandable, but the baby has to eat and should the mom not be pumping ? Does anybody know anything about this condition called MRSA? I feel bad for this poor mom and baby, who I feel could / should benefit from the mother's breastmilk ! Any info / references you wonderful readers can give me would be greatly be appreciated---pro and /or con breastfeeding. I feel we need to know before this baby makes his /her arrival ! Sincerely, Barbara Montague, RN IBCLC Saint John, NB CANADA [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html