Dear Cindy,

Since my last post to you I have done some more reading and have been in
contact with an immunology researcher in the UK at Cambridge (he does not
want to get involved in giving out medical advice, but did answer some of
my questions, and quite promptly, too).  It is unlikely that there is any
transfer of IgG antibodies (the ones that cause this condition) through
the baby's gut.  If there were, it would only happen during the first day
or two of life.  However, the half-life of these antibodies is many
weeks, so that they could persist in the blood for months after birth,
although this factor has been decreased somewhat by the exchange
transfusions which have already taken place.  Whatever the reason is for
the continuing anemia - lingering effects of IgG, bone marrow
suppression, etc. - it does not seem possible that it is linked in any
way to breastfeeding.  I would ask the doctor for references to support
this theory.  Please let me know what happens with this and if any of the
tests I mentioned previously have been done.  You have piqued the
curiosity of the medical technologist in me.

Sharon Knorr
Lactation Consultant Services
Rochester, New York
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