Just a comment on the possible concern regarding HIV from the blood transfusion. Although it is theoretically true, and *if* the blood did containt HIV, there would be a real risk of transmission through the mother's milk, the current status of the blood supply is such that this is an extremely low risk. On the basis of this very small risk, perhaps the mother needs to be advised of the possibility so she can make an informed choice (weighing this vs. the known risks of artificial feeding to the baby and herself), but I don't agree that she should be told that bf is contraindicated. Alicia.