Anna -- I do not know why the doctor has such a dismal outlook.  After all, these babies do survive, and eventually, they start to eat via normal routes.  What could be more beneficial than breastmilk?  He must   percieve it as his job to be pessimistic.  

We had an infant born with a gastroschisis within the last six months -- sorry I cannot be more precise on the time, but it is not relevant to the story.  Mom started pumping two hours after her C/S, and pumped every three hours.  The gastroschisis was resolved with minimal intervention and I think mom started breastfeeding within a week -- in the meantime, infant was fed her colostrum, then millk, as soon as oral food was allowed.  I will try to dig up the details -- I hope someone can remember the baby's name.

Sincerely, Chanita

(Off topic -- this is my first response to a post that I am cc'ing to Lactnet, since fixing my delivery system.  If it does not come out correctly, oh guardians and lactnet cohorts, please let me know.) 



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From:   Anna Gieschen[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Tuesday, June 03, 1997 6:24 PM
Subject:        Gastrochisis repair - breast feed eventually?

Has anyone had experience with a baby born with
gastroschisis eventually, after surgery, etc.,
being breastfed? This baby has been prenatally
diagnosed, delivery due in about 2 weeks, mom
eager to breastfeed, knows she may need to pump
for some time, but surgeon who will be doing the
repair is not encouraging...
Any successes with this situation?

Thanks!

Phyllis Breuer IBCLC, Anna Gieschen MALS
Sioux Valley Hospital, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
[log in to unmask]  605-333-6401