Have to chime in here...

Why do health care providers continue to give WATER to
infants in an attempt to lower bilirubin levels?
There is no data that I have yet read that supports
the logic of this practice.

Unconjugated, lipid-soluble bilirubin, whose build up
can lead to elevated bilirubin levels and/or clinical
jaundice, is cleared by the GI tract, not by the
kidneys.  This is simple physiologic fact.  From this
standpoint, and from the research, I see no benefit in
giving water as a course of treatment.  From a purely
nutritional standpoint, what benefit is shown by
filling a tiny infant stomach with a non-caloric
liquid that contains NONE of the lipids, protein, or
carbos needed for normal growth and energy
requirements?

If there is a new study indicating there is
physiologic benefit to giving water, to lower
bilirubin or for any other reason, can someone post
the source so I can update my info?

Feeling frustrated this AM...
Carole Jernigan, BSN and IBCLC hopeful
who has her copy of Riordan and Auerbach in her lap

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes
http://finance.yahoo.com

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [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