Subject: Expectant Mother with MRSA---should she be encouraged to breastfeed
?


Hello Fellow Lactnetters !

Last nite at a Neonatal ICU staff meeting,  care plans were discussed for an
expectant mother in isolation on antepartum with MRSA [ Methicillin
Resistant
Staphlococcus Aureus ]---36 weeks gestation---for her delivery and
post-partum care.  Apparently the mother is "colonized" with Staph. Aureus
in
the axillae and perineal areas,  and has " boils " on her breasts and nipple
areas. She will have this condition [MRSA] for the rest of her life,  and
other family members have it as well.  It has resulted for the overuse of
the family of Methicillin
[ Penicillin ] antibiotics.  When  I asked if this mother was planning to
breastfeed,  the reply was " I hope not,  especially with the boils on her
breasts!"  Staff appear more concerned about RDS (Respiratory Distress
Disorder) and Hypoglycemia complications that this baby may experience at
birth---which is understandable,  but the baby has to eat and should the mom
not be pumping ?

Does anybody know anything about this condition called MRSA? I feel bad for
this poor mom and baby,  who I feel could / should benefit from the mother's
breastmilk !

Any info / references you wonderful readers can give me would be greatly be
appreciated---pro and /or con  breastfeeding.  I feel we need to know before
this baby makes his /her arrival !

Sincerely,
Barbara Montague,  RN  IBCLC
Saint John,  NB  CANADA
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