Hi everyone, this is Gail Hertz, the peds resident that wrote the little
green breastfeeding book - my disclaimer is that I own Pocket Publications.

My quest today is to gather anecdotal info or first hand experience
feedback involving "encouraging moms of very sick babies to express their
milk".   My personal experience as a HCP has been that some very focused
moms say they want  to pump,  but a lot of them are sort of "numb" from the
realization that their baby is extremely ill and may possibly die.  The
question arises from the frequent scenario that other HCPs say not to
"bother" the mom about pumping because their baby might die.  This can
become a HEATED discussion.  I personally like to offer moms the option -
this gives them control over SOMETHING in a stressful situation.

I'd like to hear your experience with this situation, open to Lactnet if
the list moms deem it suitable or privately if that is more
appropriate/comfortable for people.  I rotate back into the NICU in two
weeks so I'd like to gather the info by then.  I'll summarize the general
consensus and post it.

Thanks Very Much

Gail Hertz, MD  peds resident - 2nd year