Here is the abstract from Sue Cox's article on the subject:
 Cox SG, (2010) An ethical dilemma: should recommending antenatal expressing
and storing of colostrum continue? *Breastfeeding Review* 2010; 18(3); 5-7.

Abstract:

A randomised controlled trial is being considered to examine the safety or
efficacy of antenatal expressing and storage of colostrum. Considering that
the practice is widespread an ethical dilemma would arise  as the control
group of mothers would not be educated about how to express and store their
colostrum and if their infant became  hypoglycaemic artificial infant milk
based on cow’s milk, with all its proven association with Type 1 diabetes,
would need to be given.  In considering whether antenatal expression and
storing of colostrum by pregnant Type 1 diabetic women should continue, a
number of criteria need to be assessed including: the original reason for
implementing the procedure; the immunological value of colostrum in
preventing autoimmunity and Type 1 diabetes in the infant; any differences
in milk that women produce during pregnancy compared to colostrum; the
importance of an extra glucose source for babies of hyperinsulinaemic
mothers; the likelihood of nipple stimulation inducing labour; and the
question of whether the women find the procedure a positive experience.
Considering that antenatal expression and storage of colostrum by pregnant
Type 1 diabetic women gives their babies an extra amount of fluid that
biochemically compares with colostrum if needed for hypoglycaemia; that
nipple stimulation has not been shown to  induce labour unless the woman is
at term; that women have been found to be positive about their antenatal
experience of expressing and storing their colostrum; the practice should
continue and women with  Type 1 diabetes and other endocrine or autoimmune
disorders should be educated about this easy, positive and empowering
practice.



To order a photocopy of the full article go to the Lactation Resource Centre
of the Australian Breastfeeding Association:
http://www.lrc.asn.au/copyform.html



Barbara Ash, IBCLC

Burke, VA

Health-e-learning tutor

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome