Some of Karen Gromada's work showed that bottle flow rates can vary according to whether breast milk or formula was in them.  It's POSSIBLE that breast milk is more free-flowing with the bottle/nipple combo used.  Also, the position of the bottle can affect flow rate.  A fast flow bottle can contribute to a baby's spitting up.  Also a bottle that utilizes compression instead of vacuum (which is an element in flow that cannot be tested using Karen's methods) can be an issue. That's why Haberman feeders on vacuum only in her tests show a slow flow rate, but in actual use (where compression is available and utilized by the baby) may flow faster.  That's also why the "flow-rate indicator" on them is not a factor when assessing flow rates due to vacuum alone.

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Matt and Aria Baker
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2010 3:47 PM
Subject: Milk from a Mom with Cancer

Hello Everyone,

I have permission from this mama to post her question.   If you know
of anyone who I can contact for more information or if you have information yourself, please cc or send directly to my email
([log in to unmask]) as I'm currently no-mail on Lactnet.

This baby is 3 months old and mom weaned her baby a couple of weeks ago after starting chemo.  She says:

"I have Hodgkin's Lymphoma and I am at a stage 2A.  They think I had the cancer my entire pregnancy.  I asked my doctor if my cancer had any affect on my baby while I was nursing her and he said no.  But here's something odd.  She used to spit up a lot when I nursed her.  I mean a lot!  But since we switched to formula, she stopped spitting up.  I have lots of frozen breast milk but I've been afraid to give it to her.  Do you know of any research on nursing moms who had cancer while nursing?  I just don't know enough about it and I honestly don't think my doctor did either.  It was the first time they put a port-a-cath in a nursing mom, so it's all kind of new to them.
Anyway, if you know of anything, please let me know.  I'd hate to throw the milk away but if it's not good for her, I don't want to give it to her.  Oh- and the milk was all frozen before I started on any meds, so it's medication free."

My books mostly address other types of cancer, and all state that it is safe to breastfeed unless medications or treatments preclude
breastfeeding.  I'd appreciate any thoughts you have!   Please reply
or cc to me at <[log in to unmask]>.    Thank you so much in
advance,

Aria Baker

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