Another thing I've been debating about whether to share the case of a 12-14
mo old...about 2 years ago I was received a call from a mom of a 12 mo old
(who had several other kids) with a genetic metobolic disorder. This petite
baby had been doing well until solids were added at 7 months and then all
heck broke lose--literally and figuratively. By 11 mo, they had diagnosed
this baby (after poking, proding and separating the baby from mom). By 12
months this little child had really had a tough time as the doctors had
pulled the baby off of all breastmilk (to the horror and dismay of the mom)
on the premise that giving fortified formula and solids would be "better for
her." The baby, who was very distraught, crashed on formula and immediately
lost weight. The baby almost died in a period of 2 weeks (they had tried
this once before at 10 mo and the baby did the same thing).
At that point the mom called me. I asked the mom what SHE wanted for her
child and what SHE felt in her heart was right (yeah, I know that's not very
scientific). Her reply was that she honestly felt her child would be better
on just breast. So, I helped her rebuild her milk supply. This was an
incredibly sad case. The mom had to literally fight with the "specialists"
even though this child was clearly spiralling down rapidly on formula.
Kidney failure was knocking on the door and the mom was really torn. The
mom went against medical orders and started breastfeeding her hospitalized
baby. The baby immediately regained strength, stablize and rallied upward
beautifully. Mom and family were most pleased and were ready to go home.
THEN, the doctors and hospital got a court order and under Parens Patriae
ordered that the mom not bf and to allow the mom only "supervised" visits to
ensure that she NOT bf her child. The baby rapidly spiralled down and DIED!
I attended the funeral and cried the entire time. I don't think I have ever
been so disturbed by a bf case.
This presented a very difficult situation for me as I'm not an MD and the
docs constantly reminded both the mom and me about this. I did not
contradict the doctors, but rather supported the mother in what she really
wanted for her baby. Unfortunately NONE of the other professionals
(including several "lactation specialists") had ever seen the cases where
adults metobolic disorders were still receiving breastmilk and ony thrived
because if it (again, I learned this at a Milk Banking presentation from
Lois Arnold). The parents repeatedly thanked me for supporting them and are
convinced that their baby would have lived much longer if not for the
introduction of formula and then the ultimate removal of breastmilk. In
spite of her baby dying, this mom derived great comfort in knowing that for
most of her little life, this baby was comforted and nourished at her
breast.
I can't type this without crying. Note: I have not included the specific
disorder so that some confidentiality is maintained. I am purposely leaving
out some of the nastier details as well and not stating whether this was an
Oregon or Calif case (where I've practiced). The mom has asked that I share
her story but not reveal names, but I know that the details would be
revealing enough.
PLEASE...any of you who have situations l like this. Stand up for what you
know and help the parents to find a practitioner who BELIEVES in breastmilk
and the power of breastfeeding (sounds like that stupid commercial "the
power of cheese).
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC [log in to unmask]
€€€INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: LACTATION CONSULTING & PERINATAL CARE€€€
mom, wife, active UU church member, educator, lactation consultant,
homeschool mom, researcher, scientist, author, organic gardener,
photographer, wilderness adventurer, lapidary creator, lousy cleaner;)
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