I'm afraid I missed the clinical history about the premature baby with
reflux but I found  Dr. Newman's comments intriguing regarding the
methodology of delivering continuous (or close to continuous feeds) without
the need for tubes, pumps, etc.  A really  good idea in the right clinical
setting.  I also agree that a Pediatric GI specialist should be involved.
Personally, whatever value thickening feeds may have (at best small and
debatable) it does not come close to the detrimental effects of taking the
baby off the breast.  I do not feel comfortable directing patient
management over Email, but I certainly would be glad to provide names of
physicians in this family's area who they might contact.

Paul Pollack, M.D.
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
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