Avoiding nipple confusion...

[fearlessbirth]

Hey! I have a friend who's baby will require heart surgery right after birth and will be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks. She really wants to exclusively breastfeed but is worried about nipple confusion.

I have suggested making sure her OB, the baby nurses, the ped/neonatologist all know her wishes...to see if they can feed him with a syringe or tube during the first 2 weeks...told her to contact LLL or LC BEFORE labor so she has reinforcements (cause we all know the hospital isn't going to give a crap about her baby or her wishes) Um, oh she's taking a pump and I advised that the NICU can give her all the supplies for storing her milk for the baby...and that a hospital-grade one may be useful and an LC from the health dept could help with that. I also told her she MUST pump at LEAST every 3-4 hours to keep her milk supply up.

Any other tidbits you guys can help with? She's really worried that babe won't latch on after 2 weeks of taking a bottle (I think if he's well enough for a bottle, wouldn't he be well enough for the breast?)

[heathenmamaof5]

Yes, if he can suck from a bottle he can be on the breast. I would STRONGLY urge her to contact an IBCLC now. A hospital grade pump will make such a big diference in her ability to pump and make milk. I would think that she could bf right up until surgerey if there's no stress on the baby's heart.

Stacie? What do you say? Hamilton Birth? How bout you? Aussie???

I'm looking forward to seeing what you all have to say.

[fearlessbirth]

Thanks Jill! I don't know what else to tell this mama. I am a little annoyed that she's waiting until NOW (she's due in about a week) to start thinking about all of this. NOW she's freaked out and wanting help. I offered her my doula services for FREE months ago and she never took me up on my offer...

[Babies_Bellies_Boobies]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heathenmamaof5 Yes, if he can suck from a bottle he can be on the breast. I would STRONGLY urge her to contact an IBCLC now. A hospital grade pump will make such a big diference in her ability to pump and make milk. I would think that she could bf right up until surgerey if there's no stress on the baby's heart.

ita, and there are also the other alternative methods of a cup or spoonfeeder.

too bad she didnt get some bf support lined up a bit sooner though. due in a week could mean the baby is born tonight...

good luck to her, and good for you still tryign to help her out even though she didnt take you up on the offer for doula support.

[AussieDoula]

I somehow totally missed this thread...
Can you give us an update ift here has been one?