Hi Cindy,

Sounds like you are really working hard with this family.  And I agree with
Carol in regards to possible bottle use being better for this baby, at this
time.  Increased physical stressors my inhanse the cardiac problem.

I have a couple question, being a NICU nurse and having had a cardiac infant
myself.  Is the baby on any medication that might lessen the stress/work  of
the heart?  You mentioned that  "Breathing seems congested and there are
frequent audible squeeks and pops when she eats".  Lasix - a diuretic to
reduced pulomonary/lung fluid or Digitalis - to slow and strengthen the
baby's cardiac output or heart function to name a couple.  Has she seen her
cardiologist since discharge?  Sometimes the "Pediatrician" is not as "tuned
in to the symptoms" as a specialist would be.  No offence ment to the
Pediatrican just a thought.

If this infant is on a Nasal Canula of Oxygen, it should be small enough to
comfortablly Kangaroo.  The Home health company suppling the equipment
should be able to adgust, if not.  We have many moms Kangaroo in the unit
with Nasal Canulas.

These families need so much support.  The unspoken fear is always there and
there is a fine line that has to be watched, the parents and the stress
level.  Does mom have any support, family, friends, household ?  As with
multiples the comunity can be a great source, if you only let them know the
need.  A local church had friends and  members sign up to help with meal,
house work and laundry or just letting mom catch a nap.  Something like this
might help them also.

I was not as successful as I would have liked with my first son.  He nursed
exclusivly for 6 weeks.  It was only at his 4 week appt. that the cardiac
problem was noticed, and was hospitalized by 10 weeks .  By then he was too
ill to breastfeed and bottle feeding also became difficult.  He had two
surgeries that were unsucessful.  He lived 88 days.  Although he would be 26
years old now the memories are like it was yesterday, especially when I am
helping someone else in the same situation.  My heart and prayers are with
them and you as you support them.


Hope this helps some;
Ann Slaughter RN, IBCLC,RLC

             ***********************************************

To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail
To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest)
To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
All commands go to [log in to unmask]

The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html