Kathy,
I was in ICU for 4 days after I delivered my twins at 33 wks due to
HELLP syndrome.  My kidneys failed, my liver began to rupture, my
platelets dropped from 450k to 23k, I received 10 units of packed
platelets.  It was uncertain for a couple of days or so if I would
survive.  My breasts were pumped for me, I was not conscience much of
the time, every 3 hours or so the entire time.  No problem.  Came home
on day 6, with babies who had been gavage fed only, went straight to the
breast.  Took a little while to get supply up to speed, but did not
supplement, just stayed in bed with babies round the clock for 2 weeks.
I was on strict bed rest anyway :)

The point is, even when I was that critical, my breasts were pumped,
with no adverse results.  The time that I might be concerned about
pumping for a mom would be if her neurological status caused her to be
high risk for seizure activity and that minimal handling, low lights,
quiet, etc. were ordered in an attempt to prevent stimulation.  Don't
think that would be an appropriate circumstance.

Perhaps the "added stress" that was mentioned referred to the extra
energy expenditure?
--

Denny Rice, RN, IBCLC
Dallas Texas USA

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