Dear Lactnetters,

Here's a question that has me stumped.  I'm hoping someone out there may have
some advice.

A mom delivered twins, one vaginally and one by emergency cesarean.  The mom
coded for four hours.  She ended up receiving 19 units of blood.  She is now
recovering and wants to breastfeed.  The LC called me and asked if there
would be any concern about the safety of the blood, since there was so many
units.  She called Tom Hale and agrees with you, Tom, that if proper
precautions are taken regarding Hepatitis B there shouldn't be any concern. I
told her I would certainly defer to your judgment on such an issue.  She was
hoping to get a few additional opinions before advising that the mother
breastfeed.  She has a concern about HIV as well.

The mom is being cared for at St. Joseph's Health Care System in Albuquerque.
 They are anxious to get feedback on this as quickly as possible.  Please
e-mail them directly at: [log in to unmask]

Thank you!

Judi Lauwers
Breastfeeding Support Consultants