I agree with your LC 100%.  The amount of fluids in breastmilk doesn't even
increase until a few days after birth and even then it is miniscule in
comparison to the maternal circulatory blood volume.  and yes, nursing will
cause the uterus to contract and would reduce the amount of bleeding, *if
the source of bleeding is from uterine atony*.

If the source of bleeding is due to some type of trauma to the vagina,
rectum or cervix, no amount of nursing will help that.  Only IV hydration,
oral iron and perhaps a blood transfusion ( if indicated) would help
restore her circulatory volume.  Even in this situation, nursing would not
be contraindicated.


Maurenne Griese, RNC, BSN, CCE, CBE
Birth and Breastfeeding Resources  http://www.childbirth.org/bbfr
Manhattan, KS  USA
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----------
> From: BANOYES <[log in to unmask]>
> To:
> Subject: PP Hemmorrhaging
> Date: Monday, May 18, 1998 12:31 PM
>
> I am listing this question for a LC at a local hospital:
> Have any of you heard of a reason why a mother should not be allowed to
> Breastfeed due to Hemmorrhaging?  This mother was not even allowed to
pump,
> the Dr stated that pumping would be taking fluid from her and he didn't
feel
> that was safe for her.  The LC is upset as she knows that nursing causing
> uterus to contract and would help reduce bleeding.  Any info would be
> appreciated.
> Thanks
> Brenda Noyes
> Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
>