Ellen, of course I understand. The NICU saved your baby's life, there was
nothing you could have done to prevent his preterm birth. THAT type of
situation was not what I was describing.
Instead, I was speaking of a *preventable* (perhaps) preterm birth, with a
then preventable stay in the NICU. NOT an indictment of all infants in the
NICU, or their mothers.
Let's make an analogy with C Section Birth. Often, there are ways to prevent
or avoid C Sections. We know that at least in many cases, C Sections were
not medically necessary, and that mother and baby alike would have been
better off with a vaginal birth. Many of these situations were due to
unnecessary INTERVENTIONS. In some cases, avoiding the interventions could
have avoided the C Section.
Again, there are cases where nothing could have prevented the C Section.
The Surgery in these cases then prevented much worse of an outcome than
not performing it. In these situations, the baby and mother WERE better off
with the C Section.
That doesn't mean that we avoid talking about ways to avoid the
interventions which can lead to C Section, based only on the fact that SOME
women and babies can and do benefit from the procedure.
It is a very similar scenes with the NICU and practices to avoid preterm birth
WHEN that is a possibility. (As in my babies cases.)
In the case provided, (a pregnant woman pumping her breasts to relieve what
she perceived as "engorgement" A procedure not usually recommended NOR
needed.) there was an unnecessary intervention, which may have (but didn't)
lead to a more difficult outcome.
In no way was it an indictment of ALL babies and moms who have benefited
from the NICU.
Peace,
From a mother of three, with three preterm labors, 3 3-6 month long bed
rests, 3 C Sections, (after laboring with 2 of them.) Also, being present in the
NICU during both my first and second pregnancy and seeing clients babies in
the NICU. My opinions of NICU are that it can be a lifesaver, but that taking
*unnecessary risks* that may end a baby there should probably not be taken
by most pregnant women. And, as with C Section, no one would say it is ideal.
Unavoidable, sometimes, but ideal by choice if avoidable, never.
Mary Jozwiak IBCLC, RLC, LLLL
Private Practice
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