Our staff is following a WIC client who is receiving great pressure from
physician, nurses, and nutrition staff to wean 1-year-old nursing baby
diagnosed with hypoplastic kidney disease.  The baby is taking some solids,
pumped breast milk, and receiving polycose and corn oil supplementation by
n.g. tube at night. (Mom has been pumping faithfully for the entire year.)
He also undergoes 13 hours of dialysis daily.  His weight/height ratio is
fine, but he is below the scale on weight and height for age.  Doctor and
nurses/nutrition staff believe the baby is not receiving sufficient calories
in breast milk, and the lack thereof will contribute to brain developmental
delays, adding to this baby's problems.  We are providing research on brain
development/breastfeeding; but is there something we are missing here?  We
are unable to find information on breastfeeding related to this disease.  The
mom goes to see the specialist again on Monday and would like to carry
information with her.  Is breastfeeding being sacrified on the altar of
ignorance?  Dr. Jack...are you lurking today?

Cathy Carothers, IBCLC
State WIC Breastfeeding Coordinator
Mississippi State Department of Health