Ghislaine Reid wrote:
>Recently, a pregnant mother has been told, by her OBGYN and the hospital's
>hematologist that she has the JKa antibody and that she should not
>breastfeed since her baby would most certainly suffer from a prolonged
>jaundice.

What evidence do they have for this assertion?

Is this antibody causing haemolytic disease now, during gestation? (I 
didn't think it would be anywhere near what anti-Rh(D) would be like, 
but might be wrong - especially as I can't find my favourite blood 
group serology book from when I was a blood transfusion service lab 
med tech many, many years ago. Don't ya hate it when books go AWOL?!)

Blood group antibodies, even the infamous anti-D, don't cause 
problems with breastfeeding. The majority of antibodies in milk are 
IgA anyway. Is there any evidence at all that this JKa antibody can 
cause a problem, or are they just 'playing safe' - in their minds, 
with the view that artificial feeding is a zero-risk method of 
feeding?

I also disagree with the recommendation. I would want a lot more 
detailed information as to *why* this is risky before being 
convinced. Another case of 'sacrificing breastfeeding on the alter of 
ignorance' by the sound of it.

Joy
-- 
******************************************************************
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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