Dear Kathy,

Neutropenia means that there is a decrease in the number of neutrophils (a type of white cell) circulating in the bloodstream.  The main job of these white cells is to capture and destroy bacteria.   A normal count in a baby would be around 1000 - so this baby's count is quite low.  This type of syndrome is usually caused by the production of antibodies which attach themselves to the neutrophils causing their premature destruction and elimination from the bloodstream.  This is often triggered by a viral infection or by the drugs used to treat the infection.  Children seem to gradually outgrow the condition and if the diagnosis is correct and this is benign neutropenia, there will be no progression to more serious dysplasias or leukemia.  There are other more rare forms of neutropenia where there are problems with the bone marrow and which can progress to more serious illness.

The most common consequence of this for the baby is that he will be more susceptible to infection - most usually of the throat and ears.  I would think that switching from formula to breastmilk would be a great help in maintaining this baby's health.  As this syndrome can persist for some time, you can assure the mother that even if it takes a while to bring in a milk supply, she will be providing her baby with a priceless gift that will last as long as she wants or the baby needs it to.  Even if she is unable to  bring in a full supply, research shows a dosage effect and any amount of breastmilk could make a real difference for this baby.

You might want to have the mom check out:  www.bfar.org

This site is mainly concerned with breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery, but in conjunction with that it contains a lot of good information on increasing your milk supply.

Good luck to this mom.  Hopefully she is working with a good LC who will provide her with the proper information and support in her efforts to relactate.


Warmly,
Sharon Knorr, BSMT, ASCP, IBCLC
Newark, NY (near Rochester on Lake Ontario)
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