I thought I'd update you all on the mom who was hospitalized for an ear
infection.  She  was released today.  Hooray!  They want her to check in
every two days to see if the infection has cleared.  To answer some
questions raised by Dr. Rob.  She had severe swelling in her ear and
along her face and neck.  Swelling was so bad initially, nothing could be
seen inside the ear.  No cultures were done; however a CAT scan was done
as they were afraid the infection had gone beyond the ear to another
cavity (?).  CAT scan was negative.

The doctor who told her to pump and dump or take dry up pills was not a
pediatrician.  It seems mom will need surgery when she gets back home,
but she did not elaborate on this.  Mom needs to continue for another 10
days on medication unless, infection clears up before then.  I believe
she has already been on medication for at least 5 days.  She has decided
to continue to pump and dump.  I have talked with her about her decision,
and now it is HER decision although I feel she is still a bit influenced
by the hospital staff.  She was also told she'd need to wait 48 hours
after stopping medication before nursing baby.  UGH!

Some good news.  I think I have found some help on the inside.  Before
the one an only LC this hospital ever had retired she did many inservices
trying to educate the OB staff on breastfeeding.  Well, since she's been
gone, things have gone down again of course.  I even talked with the head
of the OB dept., who feels that there is no problem.  She felt that the
staff was very knowledgeable of  breastfeeding.  I was not going to
argue, but truth is the majority of phone calls to LLL are from women who
birth at this hospital.  We all know that things are not okay up there
with breastfeeding.  Anyway, I did come away with some contacts.  People
to whom I can refer moms to for breastfeeding help.

I was able to contact one of the OB  nurses who immediately went to see
this mom while she was in the hospital.  She helped her with the pumping
and engorgement.  She talked to the doctor, but he wouldn't budge on the
medication.  She did talk with another doctor about giving this mom a
prescription for Reglan since her supply is down.  This doctor (whose
wife is breastfeeding) said he would not want to see this mom stop
nursing; however, he feels that she should pump and dump  while on meds,
but he would be glad to help her after she's off the meds.  I guess it's
a start---not the one I was hoping for.  I am passing on the info about
the drugs to this nurse--hopefully she'll share it with the doctors.  I
have given her the number to order Dr. Hale's book and suggested she join
Lactnet.

I have already referred another mom to her as well.  I am hoping that the
mom's who have concerns beyond my experience will be able to get the help
they need now from this hospital.  Dare I dream?!  Maybe having these
referrals will make the hospital powers that be re-examine their
breastfeeding policy.

On a final note, turns out the hospital does have a room for moms and
children.  Of course, the staff on the floor this mom was on did not know
this.  This does not surprise me.

Thanks again for the help.

Aloha,
Gloria Thai LLLLeader Hawai'i

_____________________________________________________________________
You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail.
Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com
Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]