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Subject:
From:
"Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 24 Jun 1998 09:02:23 EDT
Content-Type:
text/plain
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text/plain (27 lines)
Dear Kathleen-
     Dr. Paula Meier has done research, as has Matthews, that demonstrate that
bottle-feeding babies experience more apnea (they stop breathing temporarily)
and bradycardia (slow heart beat) that breastfeeding babies.
     However, one issue with low muscle tone Down syndrome babies, and with
infants with cardiac problems, is that they expend much energy in feeding and
tire easily.  It is a challenge to provide the needed calories and nutrients
in a way that will not compromise the baby's cardiorespiratory status.
     I had a client whose baby was born with a hypoplastic left ventricle
(essentially was missing the left side of the heart).  She had 3 surgeries
over 1-1/2 years for repair.  Her surgeons strongly advised breastfeeding as
research done at Boston Children's hospital demonstrated significantly
improved outcome in breastfed babies.
     Mom used a digital electronic scale to determine how much the baby took
at breast, and chose to complement expressed milk with human milk fortifier
after breastfeeding when  necessary.  At first, a feeding tube was used.
Eventually, a bottle was used, butthat was much later.   Another option is to
use a feeding tube device with the widest tubing, to deliver additional milk
at breast.  Breast compression to increase milk flow and fat content also
helps a lot.  (BTW, the insurance co. picked up the cost of the scale as
documentation showed that it was medically necessary durable medical equipment
for this baby).
      Best wishes and prayers to this baby and family, and to you who are
giving them much needed help and support!
     -Debi Page Ferrarello, RN, IBCLC
       Abington, PA

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