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Sun, 16 Jan 2005 14:37:00 EST |
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Suzanne asks: "I appreciate all of y'all on LACTNET and everything you've
taught me, and
how much us peds still need to learn! But this "hypothetical" situation may
not be as rare as you think. I truly would appreciate positive, specific
suggestions. (Send PM, no flames"
I would get some formula to that baby ASAP and then I would get the family
involved with the proper social service agency that would immediately address
this family's need to provide sufficient and adequate nutrition for the baby.
I can't believe anyone on Lactnet would do any differently. If free samples
are unethical then you could purchase some formula for your practice. What
other choice is there--let the baby starve or suffer the consequences of
really inadequate nutrition? We have no other options in the US--no affordable
source of breastmilk from a milk bank and no insurance coverage for it. I have
had newborns return to the outpatient lactation clinic with a greater than
10% wt. loss, decreased stamina and mom with very low supply. The first thing I
do is FEED THE BABY, the only option available being formula. I then address
the breastfeeding problem and give the family a plan to address the
breastfeeding issues and low milk supply. And, by the way, this also is not at all a
rare situation. I think the Texas law is good but we do need to look at
ramifications. The intent is certainly not to withhold nutrition from a baby--the
intent is to eliminate the widespread, unethical practice of throwing formula
at every new family. This truly undermines breastfeeding and is the practice
that should be addressed. How could a pediatrician be held accountable for
feeding a malnourished infant? As lactation consultants we have to be
reasonable or we lose all credibility. And, of course, we don't want to admit the
baby to the hospital if all he needs is some food.
Kathy Boggs, RN, IBCLC
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