Now, Pearl, you know that some doctors *always* find a reason for telling
mothers they cannot breastfeed.  In my experience breastfed babies with
bilirary atresia grow very well.  The breastmilk fat is well absorbed, at
least partially because of its nature, and secondly because of the lipase in
the milk.  Furthermore, it is important for a baby with biliary atresia to
breastfeed, because of the comfort he will get from the breast, because he's
going to go through a lot in the next few years.  If the baby truly does not
gain well, then medium changed fatty acid formula can be added by nursing
supplementer.  But this is not usually necessary.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC