Turn this around! They should have to justify their idea - that there's a
well-documented RISK from breastmilk after anesthesia, but not from
unflavored Kool-aid or whatever junk they want to give instead. Or try this
idea on them: have mom pump, and offer the "emptied" breasts. Since that's
currently cool for premies, certainly they can't object to this "comfort"
for a baby coming out of surgery and anesthesia.

Linda J. Smith, BSE, FACCE, IBCLC
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre
Dayton, OH USA
http://www.bflrc.com

 -----Original Message-----
From:   [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Wednesday, August 16, 2000 11:08 AM
Subject:        Anesthesia & bf

Hi all,

A month old baby is going to have surgery on the 24th.  So far, the
physicians have said that mom can not breastfeed until baby has had x amount
x number of times of Infalyte.  They (to quote the mother) "treat breastmilk
the same as formula" and (to quote the nurse) "if he aspirates breastmilk
he'll be in the hospital for a month."  OK, we all know our response to
this,
which is better left unsaid in my case.

Anyway, is there anything in the MEDICAL literature that supports
breastfeeding as soon as baby is out from under anesthesia and is interested
in nursing rather than giving some doctored up water?

Thanks,

Jan B in sunny Wheaton
Director/LEC & BSC

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