I am looking for advice for a mother who is 6 months pregnant. It have been
confirmed that the infant has Trisomy 21, at this point no other problems
are known (ie cardiac involvement), although that may change as the
pregnancy progresses. I was contacted by the physician as all involved would
like to promote and protect breastfeeding. I am putting together a package
of information to give the physician, from this she will make a package for
the mom.  If there are no other complications it is likely I will be
involved with the mom, unfortunately high risk and high needs infants are
sent to a larger center.  I have the Sarah Coulter Danner and E. Cerutti
hand out, I also have LC Series #9 'Breastfeeding the Baby with Down
Syndrome'.  I have seen down babies nurse successfully -- often using
supplimentors -- but I have never been in this situation.  Usually the
situation comes as a surprise and parents are dealling with so many issues
that breastfeeding seems to get lost in the confusion. All involved would
like to think things through in advance, and be prepared for what may
happen. We understand that children with this syndrome are primarily
children first, and that the complications vary widely. That being given I
have three questions 1. what medical information would be useful for the
physician and myself (both of us are already convinced breastfeeding is
worth the effort)? 2. what information would be of most use to the mother?
3. IF anyone has breastfed a child with Down Syndrome what do you wish you
were told or knew before hand?  Thank you in advance.  Rhoda

--"Without interest and passion nothing great has ever happened in history.
Hegel"
               Rhoda Taylor, B.A., IBCLC   Duncan, B.C., Canada--