Hello Wise Ones,

        This is exciting.  I received a call today from the new hospital dietitian
(also a peer counselor).  She is involved with a case that requires my help.
There is a 4 week old baby who was readmitted following a 2 1/2 pound weight
loss from birth, in acidosis, fontanels sunken, mucus membranes dry.  This
baby had been exclusively bottle fed since birth, and had kept very little
down.  The baby also suffers from watery diarrhea.

        The reason for the call?  The PICU doctor wants mom to relactate, since baby
can't keep formula down.

        There has been a consult with a gastroenterologist, testing is being done.
Hgb, Hct are dropping, baby is dusky, has rales, rhonchi.  Baby looks, acts
uncomfortable.  They are ruling out disccharidase deficiency.  Does anyone
know whether breastfeeding is contraindicated in this?  This is not a final
diagnosis.  Any information you can send my way is highly appreciated.
(archives seem to be down).

        Mom is uncomfortable around baby, is afraid of all the tubes and wires.  Mom
is pumping now 4 times a day (at my suggestion.....was once a day), with the
pedi staff now storing the milk in the fridge (was being dumped) until baby is
able to keep something down.  Mom is grateful to finally be able to do
something to help baby.  Baby is on IV's only at the moment.

Thanks for any information you can share.

Margie Forrest, RN, BSN, IBCLC in WPB, FL