Hi Lactnetters!

I have two questions. I have a client whose baby suffers from
Werdrig-Hoffman disease. It is a degenerative disease that affects the
muscles. This baby probably will not live past his first year of life...This
mom is breastfeeding. Baby is four months old and has not gained an ounce in
the last month. He was doing O.K. before. Not a big weight gain before then,
but doctors were happy. I beleive baby has not gained well because of the
low muscle tone that is typical of this disease. His suck seems to be
getting weaker. We will try a nursing supplementer and I have ajusted
positionning so that head is slightly lower so suck is enhanced (Coulter
Danner) but apart from that, would anyone have any cue on what could help?

I am also confronted with a specific problem in my new job. I cover the
nothern shore of Quebec city and its surroundings, and it has come to my
attention that certain health professionals and support groups are renting
manual breastpumps. Only one support group is sterilizing by gaz and
ventilating for 24 hrs. Most others are boiling for 20 minutes or simply
renting to the mothers with instructions on boiling. I have been looking for
references that would tell me exactly what is needed to avoid the risk of
hep B and AIDS virus (and other bacterias) contamination. I cannot just
order them not to rent out the pumps. I must send out a notice but it has to
include references. I already have looked up Riordan and Auerbach's and
Lawrence's. Would any of you be able to help me? Also, would the Medela &
Egnell reps on line please inform me of what pumps can tolerate what kind of
sterilization (manual only). Can the clear plastic be sterilized in the same
manner as the white one? I have read that it cannot in a recent artice in
JHL. Am I right?

Thank you all for your help. It is great to be able to have the wonderful
Lactnet ressource.
Dany Gauthier IBCLC
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Montreal, Canada
Tel: 514-923-3792
Fax:514-923-3802