I'm hoping that just because its Mnday- I have misread the tone of some
responses to the CMV question. First of all- my post was in return to a
query from a fellow lactnetter on what some facilities do about this issue.
I stated what my facility does.Doesn't mean its the best solution but its
what we do. What was interesting was what I viewed as the "tone" of
following responses. Hey- breast is BEST- we're preaching to the choir here
on LActnet. But its not always such a "pat answer". The CMV question was in
relation to the extremely low birth weight infant. These are the infants
most affected by ANY varience whether viral concerns or even the loss of
essential nutrients if breastmilk is not managed correctly. After 15+ years
as a NICU nurse, I'm happy to see that practice changes have resulted in
less NEC issues within this popultation. BUT studies ( and unfortunatly
experience) have shown a significant risk for CMV positive moms and
breastmilk.
 The La Trobe information showed with refrigeration(7 days) that CMV
was "gone in 1/4 samples in 24 hours and all gone by 7 days" but it also
showed that refrigeration showed" no decrease in e.coli, 75% active lipases
levels". We also know that there is significant bacterial increases with
this prolonged refrigeration- yest the levels are concidered "acceptable"
for the general population but not always in the case of the <1000 gm
infant.
Freezing showed CMV was "gone in most samples after 24 hours, others
decreased by 99% in 3 days". But freezing also decreases immune cells
necessary for promoting the protection against NEC. And the
words "decreased" still indicate a level of risk- it doesn't say it
is "eliminated or destroyed"-
 I would have liked to hear something from the many medical providers
within Lactnet- or more from other facilities. But if others viewed
the "tone" of some of the posts as I did- it might explain why there were
so few "public" responses.
Lisa JOnes RN CLE IBCLC

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html