Rachel
Pulled from Baobab Tree, PL Dept, LLL/USWestern Division, #54,
May/June 1994, Abstract:
Preoperative and Postoperative Fasting in Children by M.S.
Schreiner.  Pediatric Clinics of North America 1994: 41; 111-120.

>This discussion recommends that preoperative fasting times be
shortened for children and suggests that pediatricians advocate for
these changes in their practices.  The author discusses gastric
emptying rates and bases his recommendations on research which
shows that breastmilk empties from the stomach faster than formula
but slower than clear liquids.  He suggests that food (including solid
foods, candy, gum, milk, formula, orange juice or juice with pulp)
be stopped the evening before surgery.  Breastfeeding may continue
until three hours before arrival time (assuming a quick processing
time) and clear fluids can continue until two hours before arriving at
the hospital (clear fluids being water, apple juice, clear juice drinks,

plain jell-o, clear broth, pedialyte, ice popsicles).

This article is a good one to share with anesthesiolgists and
pediatricians who still recommend NPO (nothing to eat or drink by
mouth) at midnight the night before surgery.  Dr. Schreiner
discusses the different studies and suggests that rediucing fasting
time is a humane thing to do.<

Anecdotal story:  One of our breastfeeding peer counselors took
her son to a private hospital for day surgery to have tubes put in his
ears.  She argued with the anesthesiologist over fasting time, using
this article as a reference, and stating that the public hospital
considers HM to be a clear liquid and only requires a 2 hour fasting
time.  The anesthesiologist made a rather disparaging remark about
the public hospital to the effect that they try *anything* new.  The
peer counselor said, "You mean you DON'T keep up with current
literature?"  She got her 2 hour fasting time.  We also know they've
changed their protocols.  Human milk is a clear liquid in Austin,
TX.
Good luck, dear.

Jeanne Fisher