I'm a bit behind reading Lactnet as my own nursling spent 2 days in the hospital and was just released today. She had RSV and pneumonia and was really quite ill when she was admitted. I was thinking of all those posts on magic fairy dust and sure wishing I had some! This baby was exclusively breastfed/breastmilk fed for 6 mos (and I mean exclusive -- nothing else passed her lips in that first 6 mos, not even water.) She now has started some complementary foods, but mostly gets her calories from breastmilk. However, she goes to daycare, and RSV is highly contagious. Fortunately, she was able to avoid an IV since she would nurse, although she was refusing any other oral intake. Even her nursing was decreased as she was just too short of breath a lot of the time, but she was willing to keep trying! Being in the hospital was interesting in one way. Although I've worked professionally with all the pediatric nurses, being a patient's mom let me get to know them better. As they came in and out while we were nursing, all of the nurses told me their breastfeeding stories. It turned out they had all nursed their children, including one who nursed her last 2 until age 4. I often feel sort of isolated here as the breastfeeding rates are low, but now I know I have some community even at work. Maybe it's not magic fairy dust, but I was so grateful for our breastfeeding relationship while she was so ill. I was not only able to keep her hydrated and well-nourished, but also able to provide instant comfort during any procedures. Also, being in a strange place was no problem for her, since she is always at home if she's in my arms. Jennifer Tieman Family Physician Mom to 4, including nursling Caroline Rose born 5/31/03, now back home and on the mend! *********************************************** 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