As related to increase in kernicterus since 1994:
       My reaction at first was surprise---and then I thought--:"Of course
there's an increase. What, with all the inductions (37 weeks and up), all the
instrument deliveries (bruising and shocking the infant so he won't nurse),
we have set up the scene to increase kernicterus."
       We have babies induced for LGA (large for gestatinal age) at 37/38
weeks who are lucky if they hit 6 .5 - 7 lbs. This is a crime. These women
have thick cervixes who go through 30+ hours of labor (with an epidural in
for very long periods), who are then too exhausted to push effectively and
vacuums and forceps are picked up and used . I know of one baby (who I
couldn't coax to nurse) whose father said the doctor used the vacuum 14 times
before he gave up and c-sectioned the mother. This baby developed a high bili
by day 2 (16) R/T all the bruising and lack of feeding (not even good with
the bottle).
       We shouldn't be surprised, ladies. Saddened, but not surprised.
Cheryl Muller , RNC, IBCLC

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