I am hospital based LC that was asked to do a 1 page handout for nurses on the Med/Surg floor about maintaining milk supply for hospitalized bfding moms. It is in the draft stage and I would love all you " wise ones " to comment with revisions etc. thanks in advance Tip Sheet Caring for the breastfeeding mother that is hospitalized Ask the mother how/if she plans to maintain her milk supply while she is separated from her nursing child. There are only 2 medical contraindications to breastfeeding – HIV and HTLV-I (human T-cell leukemia virus type 1). Most medications except for antimetabolities and drugs of abuse are compatible with breastfeeding. If she chooses to wean, provide her with conforming ice packs for the breasts x 10-min q 2 hrs and ask MD for order for Motrin to reduce inflammation and pain. She may use a breast pump or manually express small amts. of milk to “ take the edge” off the pain when she feels necessary. Most insurance companies will not cover the expense of use of electric breast pump kit for use with weaning. (Approx. $80). Does the child feed from a bottle with “ formula” or human milk? This answer may determine her options. If the baby has never had a bottle it may be too much to expect being separated from the mother plus learning a new way to eat. Options if mother desires to maintain milk supply 1. Rooming in - with another adult to care for child (crib provided from maternity and bed for caretaker of child in room). OR 2. Child be brought to her to nurse off and on during her hospital stay (may need to pump additionally to maintain q 2-4 hrs feeding pattern depending on age of child). AND/OR 3. Using an electric hospital grade breast pump q 2-3 hrs to maintain optimal milk supply. The first option will optimally maintain the mother’s milk supply but may not be preferred by the mother. *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html