Dear Andrea, Wanted to share some thoughts on breastfeeding during an at-risk pregnancy...just my viewpoint. I have been fortunate enough to spend more than 8 years working with a group of fine perinatologists here on the west coast, caring for inpatients on our high-risk OB floor. They are extremely conservative in their approach, sometimes to the point of overkill (in the nurses' opinions!), but the high success of their outcomes cannot be disputed. I respect and love them; they are a great group of people. That said, I can tell you that they would not recommend breastfeeding during a pregnancy at risk for preterm labor. Many cases of preterm labor are a mystery; the cause is never determined. In some cases, though, the cause is obvious: multiple gestation, placental problems (low-lying, previa, accreta, etc.), structural abnormalities of the uterus (fibroids, too, in some cases), the list goes on. The most significant risk factor for preterm labor/birth is a previous history of preterm labor/birth. In my own view, having studied breastfeeding and having worked with high-risk patients, I think each mother, and each pregnancy, needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Our patients at risk for, or with diagnosed PTL (preterm labor), are counseled to avoid any breast stimulation and sexual contact, since both can trigger uterine contractions. However, as an example, if the reason for the PTL in the first pregnancy was a placenta previa, and in the current pregnancy, the placenta is not overlying the cervical canal, why NOT continue breastfeeding? If a problem arises later, it can be addressed at that time (I can see the docs I work with rolling their eyes...as I said they are conservative!). Any discussion on this matter always welcome! Sincerely, Carole Jernigan RN, BSN __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? NEW from Yahoo! GeoCities - quick and easy web site hosting, just $8.95/month. http://geocities.yahoo.com/ps/info1 *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html