Late Night Greetings!
I saw a Mom with her 4 day old baby with poor latch, "feeding all the time",
decreased void/stooling, alert, no s/s dehydration, mod. jaundice skin(eyes
clear). We worked on position/latch and sore nipples.  Doctor called he back
for Bili light therapy. (Bili 20 this AM; 24 this eve) and the MD ordered
mom to stop BF and feed glucose water for 24 hours. She CAN pump if she
wants to, but is NOT to feed the breast milk to the NB. I questioned the MD
(gently) and suggested the need for breast milk to assist in the process of
elimination of bilirubin and the latest research regarding same.  He
listened, paused, then simply said,"But, you see, I don't believe that."  I
continued with reference to documentation of studies by renowned and
respected people and my personal conviction that breastfeeding should
continue and D5W not be used.  He did not give an inch except to say, "Show
me the documentation.".....  I will DO JUST THAT......but, I am thinking a
recommendation direct from a FELLOW DOCTOR might carry even more weight than
all my references.  Dr. Tom, I will give him a copy of your BF and Jaundice
handout; Words of wisdom?  Any Drs. opinions welcomed.  This mom is now
pumpng (Lactina) and storing while finger feeding the D5W until 12 noon
tomorrow. I hope he will recommend the return to BF after next Bili. Maybe I
can change his thinking to prevent this NEXT TIME. He IS the Dr.and I DO
have to be cautious not to alienate him.
Thank for your input and wisdom.
Yours , Lynnette Stiles, RNC, IBCLC in NW Arkansas