article about formula causing nec in preemies

rslhmg

So I made the mistake of reading an article about formula fed preemies that was posted in a preemie group on Facebook. I have to say I was a little upset after reading it. The article talks about formula causing NEC in preemies and how breast milk is better, which I totally agree breast is best, but article made me feel like crap for not being able to breast feed. I thought I was done with feeling inadequate because my milk never really "came in" and I completely stopped producing even with medicine to help shortly after DD came home. This article sent me on a little guilt spiral. There was one sentence at the end saying something about it being difficult to breast feed preemies and there being a short supply of donor milk to help, but over all the article felt like an attack on mothers who can't or won't bf their preemie. I was really just disgusted by it, and the use of NEC in a way that felt like a scare tactic. Maybe I'm just being sensitive because I intended to bf until DD had teeth and then pump until she was a yr and was not able to, but DD was part of a nec study when she was in the hospital because of her size, they told us then they don't really know what causes it. Maybe new info has come out in the 4 months she's been home, but the article still struck me as extremely insensitive. Sorry for rambling, I just had to say this somewhere that it would be understood.

aquariogirl

I didn't read the article but I was too in your shoes. 

katie4253

I'm sorry the article made you feel bad. It is true that BM is the best weapon against NEC. It is not a scare tactic. However, it is also true that lots of moms cannot bf or pump milk for their preemie.

It is a deeply personal and emotional topic for all preemie moms. Even for me. I was able to pump for almost 9 months. However, I had a lot of guilt in the beginning because I had a very low supply and them even more for quitting. It's hard, no matter which way you slice it.

Brummy14

Our hospital also believes strongly in BM as one key ways to prevent NEC, so much so that they give preemies donor milk until they hit 1500g if mom can't provide it. However, don't feel guilty...you are not alone, and you did everything you could. That's all that matters.

Denesdia

I'm so sorry that this article struck a raw nerve for you, mama.  I didn't read the article, myself, but I would guess that it highlighted that BM is a really powerful weapon against NEC.  BM is not foolproof, however, as I provided only BM to my 25 weeker who got NEC, anyway. 

For me, I find that resources of information on preemie conditions are often meant to be objective, but my emotional baggage clouds things up sometimes.  For example, when I read about pre-term labor, I feel stupid and agitated because I didn't know what was happening to me when I went into labor with my DD at 24 weeks.  So, I find myself getting anxious and upset at the articles when the reality is that the issue is with me.  I don't know if this is the same for you, but I just wanted to share. 

KatFCo

I didn't see the article, but my preemie hadn't had any food yet when she developed NEC--she was still IV fed. She was given indocin for her PDA and the doctors told me it could cause it, but they didn't know for sure and it might help prevent the need for surgery. As it turned out, she got NEC and then needed the PDA surgery after all.

While breast milk is "best," formula served my DD just fine. Try not to feel guilty. You're doing what's best for your baby.

katie4253

CurlingRocks:

OP, there are tons of people out there who want to make your baby's problems your fault.  Please do not be one of them.  I agree with PPs that BM is best but it isn't foolproof.  That article was probably written by someone with no actual experience as a preemie parent.  You did your best, and that is all that matters. 

It was likely an article based of a scientific study.   They usually aren't personal.  Very matter of fact. 

starrdiva211

The article was based on a scientific study. No babies were used in just their cells and petry dishes etc...

I saw the article when my good friend tweeted it and had the reply "This is why I am only breastfeeding!"... as I read her comment, I just shook my head and thought, "things can change and happen so fast"!

Like one of the PP said, it is a very personal choice and one that could prevent a problem or couldnt.I sometimes still beat myself up for not trying harder or longer with the pumping, letting my so call fears and pain get to me from my experience of birth. My LO seems to be thriving on his Neosure after being on BM (mine for a week and donor milk for two and a half)!

OP... you're doing good Mommy! You're doing good!

rslhmg

I just didn't realize that somethings can turn not being able to bf into such a raw nerve again. We did have a few NEC scares in the nicu because her belly was so much bigger then the rest of her, but were very fortunate that she just has a big belly. She was in the study just because of how small she was. She is thriving on the neosure and aside from sleep issues, doing great everywhere else. Just took me by surprise that I could be so upset by the article and how quickly it seemed to cut right through me being ok with not bf. I think it had a lot to do with the clinical approach to the article and the very minimal statement about difficulties bf preemies. I'm still not happy with the article, but I am back on track with not feeling guilty for not being able to produce.