Thank you so much to those who responded about my request for information
about black milk. And several others sent emails of concerns. I printed those
out for the mother and she was so stunned that total strangers from around
the world would reach out to support and help her. And the nurses were amazed
that I have LC friends in Israel and Canada!! The suggestions as to the
reason were: breast estacia, galactoceles, and  fibercystic breast disease.
Every test on the sample came back unremarkable. It has lighten a little over
the past 3 days but still looks like strong tea with streaks of green in it.
The mother was going to discuss with the OB/Gyn the suggestions for a
mammogram as soon as possible.
The family took the baby home tonight in the care of hospice. There still is
no diagnosis on what is wrong with the baby. Except she has no brain
function. She has a few respirations, no suck or swallow, no response.  We
don't know if she will linger for days, months, or years. It has been
difficult with all the waiting, testing and not knowing what will happen
next.  I made it through the good byes this evening without crying in the
room. But the other LC and myself had a good cry in private. Even though I
have been doing this job for years, every time I see a baby pass away, it
still touches me.
The LC who works yesterday said that with our job the good parts are really
really good but the bad parts really really stink. Luckily the good parts are
many and the bad parts are few.

Barb Whitehead, BS, IBCLC
Eastern NC

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