Sarah, They are possibly culturing for CMV which some Nicu's do check for
this with very early VLBW infants. I am not currently practicing in a Level
3 nicu, but I believe the milk can be frozen for a time and this inactivates
the CMV. Please look into this further because I am not up to date on this.
However, a 33 to 34 wk infant I do not beleive would be such a high risk for
that.
I would want to talk with the attending. You have every right, of course, to
hear their rationale and then state that after considering all benefit:risk
you have chosen to breastfeed or provide ebm, and you have chosen not to
expose your infant to artificial babymilk. If they can make a good case for
culturing, and why, you could certainly discuss and consider that.
Best wishes for you and your baby.
Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
MISSISSIPPI USA

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