It sounds to me like a 'nick' in the thoracic duct leading to a chylothorax.
It is critical to rectify this as otherwise heart and lungs can be
'squashed' if fluid loculates. I assume there is a chest drain in to relieve
pressure but the cut will never heal if the child receives fat in the diet.
It would be an acceptable reason to stop BF [as long as mum is properly
advised on pumping since BF can resume as soon as the leak stops]. Feeding
is often confusing as low fat milk or medium chain triglycerides are given.
MCT is a lipid but is metabolised without thoracic duct leakage.

Tony Knox

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marci O'Daffer, CCE" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2001 8:42 AM
Subject: breastfeeding after infant surgery


> Hi,
>
> I would like to share a scenario and see if it sounds "right" to you
> all.
>
> A 9 mo old baby has just had open heart surgery. There is a leak from
> the lymphatic system which isn't healing as quickly as they would like,
> so the doctors are suggesting a low fat diet -- which means that she
> would stop breastfeeding and go on low fat infant formula.
>
> Does that sound right?
>
> Marci :)
> --
> Marci O'Daffer, CCE, CIMC
> mailto:[log in to unmask]
> Certified Childbirth Educator
> Certified Internet Marketing Consultant
>
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