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Subject:
From:
"Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, MSN, RN, IBCLC" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 23 Sep 1999 17:01:09 EDT
Content-Type:
text/plain
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Re: << The pediatrician has panicked and told her it is probably caused by the
maternal hormones being passed through the breastmilk, and (of course) stop
breastfeeding immediately. >>

Exactly which hormones does the pedi think contribute to this situation and
by what physiologic mechanism? (Like you, I'm thinking, "Hey, we're talking
lowered estrogen here!") Or exactly what would make this little girl respond
this way when millions of other infant girls breastfeed without this effect?
Have all other etiologies been ruled out, e.g. genetics, etc.? (Surely if
panicked, the pedi has referred the parents to a specialist--pedi
endocrinologist?)

What refs did the pedi provide? If the pedi recommends depriving this infant
of breast milk, the pedi should be able to back it up with valid scientific
literature or at the very least cite numerous, reliable similar anecdotes. I
know I'd want refs if it was my baby. And why do those of us promoting
breastfeeding always have to be the ones providing the refs? If breastfeeding
is the Homo sapiens norm, then a recommendation to wean should be supported
by the one making that rec. (Sorry for that "soap box" statement, but it's
one of my pet peeves!)

If on the wild chance the situation is related to something absorbed via
mom's milk, is the situation likely to reverse as the baby adds other foods
to her diet or is this an emergency situation? What if the baby is deprived
of breast milk and the symptoms/physical changes persists? Would the pedi be
willing to call the Breastfeeding and Human Lactation Study Center in
Rochester, NY to discuss further? I'm with you, the pedi's response sounds
like one of "if in doubt, it must be the breastfeeding"!

My thoughts are with the parents--this would be a worrisome situation to face.

Karen

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