Listmates,
    Regarding the mom in ICU who cannot breastfeed...I have seen at least 3
moms critically ill in ICU (2 on a ventilator) whose babies were brough to
them and they breastfed!  One mom (on a vent) was pointing to her chest,
gesturing and the ICU staff kept asking her if she had chest pain.  They
finally understood what she wanted and the nurses insisted that she would
benfit (by calming down).  Other nurses/MDs were concerned that it would be
too big of a stress.  But the nurses prevailed and the mom did great.
(Actually all the moms eventually did great despite being VERY ill - never
seemed to affect their medical status except positively.  This usually
requires the family's insistence and some nurse-advocates to make it happen.
Each time it was an eye-opener for the ICU staff and for some of the nursery
staff as well.  Obviously someone has to hold and position the baby, but it
is usually easier than anyone imagines.  (also requires thinking outside the
box - yes, the baby CAN go to ICU!)
    Martha Sleutel, RN, CNS, PhD candidate

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