Could those of you who work in NICU settings share what your standard policy
is in regard to moms with mastitis? Do you continue to use milk if being
pumped, feed at breast if the baby is able? Do you wait until mom is on
antibiotics for 24 hours or until she "appears clinically better"? I am
talking about premies and compromised infants. We have in general been telling
moms to keep feeding in whatever manner they are currently using. The infants
have already been "exposed" in our (LC) minds. However, as we rotate
attendings we are meeting resistance to this in some cases. It is frustrating
to be asked what should be done and then when the answer is not what someone
wants to hear they disregard our information. Is there literature/studies out
there that supports feeding through mastitis for the premie/compromised
infant? Thanks for you help.
Lisa Enger RN BSN IBCLC
Boston