Dear Friends,
I was contacted yesterday by a mother whose baby is 1 month old and has
a bilirubin of 12.  The baby developed jaundice on day 5 or so and has
nursed beautifully, with appropriate wt. gain, since birth.  Now, you
know what I am going to say, don't you?  Her pediatrician, a young man,
(not well seasoned like our Dr. Jack, Dr. Gail and Dr. Rob) is concerned
about the bilirubin level even though the liver enzyme studies were
normal. And of course, has "ordered" her to stop breastfeeding for 36
hours and pump and dump the milk.   I explained breastmilk jaundice in
great detail, this couple has read a lot and the mother is asking, quite
intelligently, what happens if she does not stop breastfeeding.  The dr.
said, "Probably nothing, but why are you giving me a hard time about
this?  I have never had a mom refuse to stop breastfeeding."  He
continued that if she did not stop breastfeeding, he would have to refer
her to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation.  Are you getting as
mad as I did when I heard this story???  She did stop nursing for
several hours and the baby, dear smart little thing, did NOT take the
bottle and spit up the little bit of soy formula she had swallowed.  And
they say babies aren't able to communicate!

I used Dr. Jacks quote about sacrificing breastfeeding on the altar of
ignorance and went over her options.  She called today and is continuing
to breastfeed, is switching pediatricians (that was not one of my
options, by the way) and baby and mom are happy.  Any comments from you
wise ones?

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate.
Mary Alice Tinari, MSN, IBCLC
who counts Tony, Philip, Matt and Celeste along with all of you as her
blessings
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