Dear Deb,

I am not clear as to what is going on here.  You say that she is bleeding
and has received two transfusions -this is usually done when someone has
a low red cell count (anemia).  She may also have a low white cell count
and perhaps also a low platelet count which could account for the
bleeding.  Having a very low blood count all the way around is a
condition known as pancytopenia and it is a very serious condition
indeed, can be life-threatening.  There can be various causes for this.
Do you have any actual numbers as far as the CBC or "complete blood
count" is concerned?

I can't see any reason for her to stop nursing.  "It will weaken her" is
a real chestnut in the "brilliant reasons to stop nursing" category.  Do
they have any references on this condition to back them up?  If she has
severe anemia, she may indeed feel very weak, but if she is receiving
good support and is maintaining a milk supply, I can't see why she
shouldn't be allowed to breastfeed.  If her white blood count becomes
extremely low, she may be put in protective isolation and this may limit
her access to the baby (this is done to prevent exposure to germs which
may cause disease due to her compromised immune system).

Sharon Knorr, BSMT, LLLL, IBCLC
Lactation Consultant Services
Rochester, New York
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