FEATURE
“We’re the first institution in the world to be able to publish information on
breastfeeding evaluation with these babies who show problems with bottle feeding,”
– Chrysty Sturdivant
Sharon Alsobrook and her newborn son,
Theodore “Teddy,” participated in the study.
An X-ray revealed that Teddy was aspirating
while bottle-feeding. A neonatologist recommended the FEES study when breastfeeding
could be attempted again.
“Teddy latched on and started breastfeeding, and then they put the scope up his nose
and fed it down to the top of the throat while
he was swallowing,” Sharon said. “He wasn’t
feeding perfectly normal during breastfeeding,
but we found a position where he was able to
do it safely. The FEES study was the only reason I was able to breastfeed at all,” Sharon said.
This is exactly the type of outcome that
Chrysty, Sandra and Jenny were hoping for.
“We’re the first institution in the world to
be able to publish information on breastfeeding evaluation with these babies who show
problems with bottle feeding,” Chrysty said.
Since the study began, about 75 babies
have been evaluated. Chrysty, Sandra and
Jenny have also presented their findings at
several conferences nationwide and are helping other hospitals launch FEES programs.
Sharon Alsobrook with her son, Teddy,
a FEES study participant
For more information on how you can support
women’s and children’s initiatives, contact
Melissa Dalton at 214.820.2705 or Melissa.
[email protected].
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