Lactnetters:  I am posting for the first time, hope I am following protocol.
I function as an LC (no degree in lactation, just am MPH) in El Paso, Texas,
where most our our patients at my large public clinic are Mexican or of
Mexican origin.  I had a mother give birth last Thursday and, although she
truly wanted to breastfeed, was told that because her baby had aspirated
meconium that she was in the ICN and had to be NPO.  We tried to pump and
had no luck, not even colostrum.  They sent her home the next day but
hospital kept the baby.  Soon the baby was sent to intermediate care because
she looked good (born at 8lbs11oz) and needed no more O2.  But they still
wouldn't let her nurse. Mom was told that she could express her milk and
they would give it to the baby in a bottle because they needed to "measure"
all that went into the baby.  She is desperately trying to pump at home, I
helped get her a better pump, but she still didn't have much luck.  My
question to all of you is this:  Is this standard practice?  Why couldn't
she nurse, at least in intermediate care?  The baby wasn't NPO anymore, in
an open crib, no oxygen.

Any bits of wisdom would be helpful.  Especially if you know of guidelines
by recognized organizations which could prevent this next time.

Lizabeth Berkeley, MPH, CHES
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