Infant insufficient milk syndrome associated with maternal postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Insufficient milk syndrome is defined as failure to thrive in infants due to insufficient daily breastmilk intake. This discussion examines a possible association between insufficient milk syndrome and maternal postpartum hemorrhage. Ten consecutive cases of insufficient milk syndrome associated with maternal postpartum hemorrhage were identified. The mothers presented between 3 and 35 days postpartum. Maternal postpartum blood loss ranged from 500-1500 ml in eight cases (mean: 963 ml); in two cases, blood loss was noted as 400++ and 200++, respectively. Six mothers experienced a drop of hemoglobin by > 30g/L; two had a drop in blood pressure > 30mmHg for > 20 minutes. All infants were failing to thrive. Five infants suffered hypernatremic dehydration with serum sodium levels ranging from 148-166mmol/L. Breastmilk electrolytes were measured in six cases, and elevated sodium levels, ranging from 21-100mmol/L, in five cases. These data serve to heighten awareness of insufficient milk syndrome as a potential consequence of postpartum hemorrhage. Early postpartum review of all breastfeeding mothers and infants is strongly encouraged.