The child will not be able to eat the regular way if he has esophageal
anomalies. Atresia is where the esophagus ends blindly. It does not connect
to the stomach. Fistula [T-E fistula] is when the Trachea and Esophagus have
a connection and food will get into the lungs this way. So usually these
babies are corrected surgically right away. Then after the surgery feedings
will begin slowly just as feedings are advanced slowly after any surgery.
The parents should request a conference with the neonatolgist and pedi
surgeon[s] prior to the birth to ask all about what these conditions mean
and what to expect and express their desire to bf and how this will affect
same. Bf would be the safest food so I would be suspicious if anything else
was recommended once reg. feedings are started. The baby will be on IVs at
first. The baby should be born at a hospital with Level 3 nicu and pedi
sub-specialty services (peds surgery, peds gi, genetics) or transferred to
same, IMO. I think it is documented that babies have better outcomes if born
at the level 3 facility instead of being transferred out. Good luck to this
family.

Laurie Wheeler, RN, MN, IBCLC
Violet Louisiana, s.e. USA

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