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Date: | Wed, 18 Dec 1996 14:56:09 -0500 |
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I do not understand why testing positive for ketones would require the
mother to stop breastfeeding. A child who vomits twice sometimes has
ketones in the urine (not from diabetes obviously). Why would ketones
be harmful to a baby? Indeed, ketones may be used by the neonatal brain
for energy when the baby is hypoglycemic.
Ketones often persist in the urine for many hours, sometimes a few days
after a diabetic's blood sugar is under control. In my opinion, I think
it is perfectly acceptable for the mother to breastfeed, and the ketones
in the urine should be ignored for this purpose.
Breastfeeding is too important to sacrifice just because. I have loaned
out my Lawrence so I am not sure what she says, but I have my doubts
that the reason is compelling.
Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC
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