Dear Wise Ones,

Might someone have some ideas about a puzzling situation that I have
encountered. The 30year old mom suffered with terrible vomitting and
stomach problems all through her pregnancy. At 38 1/2  weeks(who can be
so exact?) she was induced and gave birth to her first, a 6lb 13oz baby
girl. To add to her troubles the baby wouldn't latch. Mom has one
inverted nipple and one that just sits there. Since the birth the mom
has pumped and supplied her baby with breastmilk. Unfortunately this
poor mother has in the last 2 weeks suffered the most dreadful diarrhea
and vomitting. She has had no fever and has needed IV therapy for
dehydration. So far the only "explanation" is that it "could be hormonal
and .... " She is scheduled for some tests in hospital today and the
gastroenterologist will probably have something to report. This mom is
really dedicated to breastfeeding even though she has not been able to
enjoy the experience. She is down to pumping 4 times a day and gives EBM
by bottle.
So there's the long story. Is there anything I can do to help if they
tell her to stop expressing because of "hormone" problems? Any ideas of
where to search in the archives? Anyone with a similar experience? The
baby has been doing well on her mom's milk (except for a few ounces)
since she was born on Nov. 22! Maybe mom should try it?

Any ideas to help solve this mystery would be greatly appreciated!

Audrey Trenholme, BEd. IBCLC
Victoria, B.C.