Someone asked, in response to my post on myasthenia gravis, what is
myasthenia gravis (MG).  MG is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by
weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscles.  The underlying defect is a
decrease in the number of available acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular
junctions, due to an antibody-mediated autoimmune attack.  From Harrison's
Principles of Internal Medicine.  According to this source the medication
used most often in the US to treat is oral pyridostigmine (not in Tom Hale's
book); atropine may be used to block the autonomic side effects( of the
pyridostigmine).  Thymectomy and immunosuppression (using glucocorticoids,
azathioprine, and other drugs) are other treatments.  Plasmapheresis is also
mentioned, but I'm not sure I understand what this is exactly.

Anyway, whatever anyone has out there would be helpful.  Her nurse and
nutritionist say that she is not very interested in breastfeeding.  However,
they don't really think it's a possibility so have not discussed bf with her
and will not refer her to me and my staff unless I can give them information
that encourages, or maybe that at least does not discourage, breastfeeding.
I don't know what the mother's specific tx is; won't know unless I can come
up with info that will convince nurse and/or nutritionist that bf may benefit
this mother and her baby.

TIA, Keitha Whitaker, BS, IBCLC
email: [log in to unmask]

P.S.  Hope you all had happy and peaceful holidays and wish you a Happy and
Prosperous New Year!