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

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