Hello, All this disussion about preemies and NICUs has been very interesting. Is there *any* reason for a full term baby in the NICU to not be allowed to breastfeed at all? Here's the story: Mom is pumping and baby is getting only EBM by bottle. The HCPs do not know what is wrong with the baby (very low platelet count/anemia at birth, improved and now stable at 2 weeks old.) Baby on IV (npo) for first 3 days, because they didn't know what was wrong (and still don't). Drs concerned that baby wasn't gaining well, so restricted baby to feed only every 3 hours (!!). They will not allow mom to BF. Mom doesn't want to rock the boat as she just wants the baby home ASAP so she can start breastfeeding. BW: 7 lb 1 oz W at 10 days: 6 lb 11 oz current (2 wks): 6 lb 13 oz (so 4 oz short of birth weight) The LC won't "go to bat" (mom's words) for her right to BF in NICU. Does this sound familiar? I have only had email and phone contact with the mom. If there is anyone in the Jacksonville FL area who would be willing to help this mom, let me know! Any studies this mom could show the NICU staff? (her ped talks BF support but won't rock the boat in the NICU) Since I do not work in a hospital, I don't know--is this typical? (I sure hope not!) What would work for her as far as dialoging with the NICU folks? Thanks, Virginia Bobro __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html