I want to send a big, big THANK YOU to all who so generously responded
privately and to the list about the baby who was born with severe
abnormalities. Fortified by all your messages I saw the mom again the
following day. The baby had been returned to the Neonatal Unit shortly
after I had left the day before, having turned blue again, suspected heart
defect, and had been placed on oxygen in an incubator, but he had made it
through his second night.
Suddenly there was a whole *team* of specialists involved. A bone
specialist said that the feet would be normal with surgery, a paediatric
cardiologist was doing Xrays and an ECHO of the heart, a physiotherapist was
already working with the baby, and a psychologist was coming that afternoon
to assist the parents. Mom was coping well, and then breaking down, and it
was heart-breaking, but she was able to talk about how she felt, and she was
pumping her milk and the baby was receiving small Qx EBM and formula top-ups.
I did a phone follow-up the next day, by which time mom was supplying all
that the baby needed, but the quantity had been reduced by the paediatrician
and I knew this wasn't a good sign. The mother decided that she wanted to
go home and planned to continue pumping at home and bringing the milk in
every day. It didn't look hopeful, but in view of these particular
circumstances, in all honesty I couldn't fault this decision. On Saturday
the little guy collapsed and he died last night. I haven't had a chance to
talk to the mom since as they're obviously not taking calls so I've just
left a little message, written a little note, and have to leave it at that.
Mom has a large and lovely family and I just hope now that they are able to
feel a little peace.
Once again, thank you so much to all of you who sent me such understanding
and encouraging messages. This has been the saddest case I've ever worked
with, and your support has been invaluable.
Pamela Morrison IBCLC, Zimbabwe
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