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Against all odds: breastfeeding a baby with harlequin ichthyosis
Patricia Ripmeester1, Sandra Dunn
1Neonatal Intensive-Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada. ripmeester@cheo.on.ca
Harlequin ichthyosis, a congenital skin condition, poses challenges to nursing care, which include preventing infection, feeding, and enhancing attachment. Although breastfeeding is recognized as the best form of nutrition for infants, it may not be considered as part of a treatment plan for infants with complex needs. This article explores the experiences of one mother and her newborn with harlequin ichthyosis, and how they taught us to remember that there are unlimited possibilities for care.
Harlequin ichthyosis, a congenital skin condition, poses challenges to nursing care, which include preventing infection, feeding, and enhancing attachment. Although breastfeeding is recognized as the best form of nutrition for infants, it may not be considered as part of a treatment plan for infants with complex needs. This article explores the experiences of one mother and her newborn with harlequin ichthyosis, and how they taught us to remember that there are unlimited possibilities for care.