Minutes after
birth, Autumn nursed for the first time and latched on with
a natural ease, sucking in peaceful, rhythmic motions. Stephanie
relaxed and relished the moment. She had nursed six other
children, including a set of twins, and knew how deep and
special the bond is when a mother breastfeeds her baby.
Soon after Stephanie began to nurse Autumn, a backwash
of colostrum, or first milk, poured out of Autumn's mouth.
Stephanie immediately sensed that something was wrong and
called out to her doctor for help. "You're probably drowning her," he
playfully responded from across the room.
After Autumn was suctioned, a second attempt was made for Autumn to nurse again.
The same thing happened. At this point, everyone in the room knew Autumn had
a problem.
The nurse rushed Autumn to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where Autumn's
Pediatrician, Dr. Joseph Peterman, ordered medical x-rays and studies. Stephanie
and Hunt quickly learned that Autumn was born with rare birth defects called
Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Esophageal Atresia which involved the malformation
of the trachea (wind pipe) and esophagus (food pipe).
Autumn was also soon diagnosed with a paralyzed left vocal cord which allowed
all liquids to silently aspirate into her lungs. Silent aspiration is a very
dangerous condition that can lead to pneumonia or instant death.
Autumn, less than one day old, was taken to surgery where a gifted and compassionate
Pediatric Surgeon, Dr. Darrell Hermann, successfully repaired Autumn's trachea
and esophagus. The TEF, EA, and paralyzed vocal cord, however, left Autumn unable
to safely swallow all liquids, including breast milk. A nasal-gastric tube would
be necessary to feed Autumn for a long time.
Stephanie was devastated when all doctors agreed that it was unlikely Autumn
would ever be able to nurse. Babies born with TEF and EA often have uncoordinated
sucking and swallowing in addition to oral aversion when food or drink is placed
in the mouth. Autumn's paralyzed vocal cord further complicated her serious medical
condition.
After months of pumping milk around the clock to tube feed Autumn, Stephanie
never gave up hope that she would someday nurse Autumn. Finally, at four months
of age, a modified barium swallow showed remarkable improvement of Autumn's ability
to safely swallow all liquids, including breast milk, using only one vocal cord
to cover her airway.
Autumn's otolaryngologist, Dr. Michael Biavati, agreed to give Autumn a trial
run of breastfeeding, knowing that breast milk was less likely to do damage
to the lungs than formula or other liquids. Stephanie slowly began to teach
Autumn how to nurse. She
held Autumn in a special position so the paralyzed left vocal cord was up and
out of harm's way.
Gradually, over time, the choking became less and less. Autumn loved the warmth
and comfort that nursing provided and Stephanie cherished every moment. The
antibodies from mother's milk also kept Autumn from getting most of the viruses
that circulated among her many siblings and family. Stephanie feels blessed
that Autumn is doing so well now and feels strongly that breastfeeding has
made the difference for a happy and healthy mother and child.
