This is my first post, please be gentle.
I received a call from a woman with a 3 wk old beautifully breastfeeding
baby.  Her sister has an aggressive form of breast cancer with spots
identified on her liver and lungs. Prior to becoming pregnant, she had a
mastectomy of her right breast.  She is at 25 weeks and it is doubtful this
pregnancy will be carried to term due to the development of liver pain and
a progressively worsening cough.  It is uncertain if this woman will be
able to provide much if any colostrum or milk for this baby since aggresive
treatment will resume asap after delivery.  This baby will most likely be
in the NBICU and the sister with the 3 week old would like to provide donor
milk for this baby, preferring breast milk to artificial baby milk.
Are there any protocals for an arrangement such as this?  Anything you very
expeienced consultants can share will be appreciated.  If there are tests
for the donor mom to be cleared and or permits to be signed it would be
helpful to provide the "barely breastfeeding tolerant NBICU staff and
docs". I want to get as much information as possible before presenting this
question to the Neonatologists who will certainly be the final word.
I would think that fresh, unpasturized milk would be optimal.
I have to believe that this would be a viable option for this less than
ideal circumstance.
I know that your expertise and compassion for this situation will bring
forth the gifts of your knowledge to help this family and these
professionals who will be providing care for them.
I am greatful for the opportunity to reach out to such committed and deeply
caring professionals.
Thank you,
Heidi Chavers RNC, IBCLC, LCCE, LMT, CIMI

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