>It is technically called "lavage" and it can be a "little" helpful when baby
>thinks they are full and don't want to feed much, spits and gags when trying
>to feed and generally doesn't nurse well. In my observation, very
>small amounts of fluid are used.  As you know, sometimes baby takes
>in some "stuff" on their way down the birth canal, not aspiration
>but a swallow or two. A tube is passed down into the stomach and
>some saline (it is saline isn't it? I have not done it myself but
>observed once or twice) is instilled by syringe, then rhe fluid is
>removed to get the gunk out. I'm sure I'm missing something...but
>most likely will be filled in by others much more experienced in the
>nursery than myself. A good nursery nurse can do this quickly and
>baby usually will root and feed pretty well after.
>Mary Kay Smith, RN IBCLC
>Canton MI

This was done on my daughter 16 years ago. She was very mucousy and
every time I tried to breastfeed her the first day, she just brought
up mucus and was very miserable. They took her away to 'wash out her
stomach' and when they brought her back, she feed well from then on.
I don't know exactly what they did to her and I am glad I didn't see!
However, for the purpose for which they did it, it worked. After the
initial short separation straight after delivery, it was about the
only time she was out of my sight during my hospital stay of about 5
days.
--
******************************************************************
Joy Anderson B.Sc. Dip.Ed. Grad.Dip.Med.Tech. IBCLC
Australian Breastfeeding Association counsellor
Perth, Western Australia.   mailto:[log in to unmask]
******************************************************************

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