Does anyone have any studies on the significance of pre-lacteal sterile H20
or glucose feeds prior to breastfeeding?  Our nursery's policy states that at
2hrs. of age an infant is to be given sterile H20, then D5W.  Most take only
sips and go out to breastfeed.  There is no informed consent for this, it has
just always been done.  The "reason" is to check for esophogeal patency.  We
all know that breastmilk is the most physiologically compatable substance
baby could ingest if there were a problem!  We are pushing to have this
policy revoked, but our team of peditricians like to have hard core studies
before them when it comes to bf issues.  Most of the other hospitals in our
area do not practice this routine anymore, but we have had a hard time
finding any info. on the subject.  We also have moms now writing letters to
the hosp. re: their dismay at not knowing their babies were bottle fed
something without their knowledge.  I know this sounds a little ancient, but
has anyone else had this problem?  While we're on the subject, some of the
docs still insist in supplementing or complimenting breastfeedings until
mom's milk "comes in"!  The more assertive moms will just nurse their babies
and ignore the bottle sitting in the crib, but for many this is the first
sign that they may not be "able to produce enough" so they give "just a
little" formula or water for their own piece of mind. We have now placed that
initial doubt in that moms mind.  I feel like I'm banging my head up against
a wall sometimes re: these issues.  Studies would be great, but other
people's experiences would help us not to feel so "alone" in this.  Thanks.
Marianne L Stalteri RNC IBCLC.  Freezing in upstate NY