Too much water nearly kills infant - St. Petersburg Times

So Moss thought she could stretch her budget by adding extra water to the baby formula she fed her son, 5-month-old La'Damian Burton.

Then a week ago, La'Damian had a seizure and stopped breathing. As Moss frantically tried to revive him with CPR, it never crossed her mind that water could be the culprit.

La'Damian was rushed to University Community Hospital, where he is recovering. Moss, 23, held a press conference Monday to warn other parents.

Water intoxication, especially in babies, can cause levels of sodium in the blood to drop too low. That can cause seizures, brain damage or death.

Doctors think La'Damian will recover completely, said Dr. James Orlowski, chief of pediatrics at the hospital.

"This is a very serious situation, especially in these economic times," Orlowski said. "Most of the public doesn't know" that too much water can be so dangerous for babies.

Orlowski said this is the first case he has seen in a while, but that he has seen parents try to overdilute formula in the past, especially when times are tough.

Moss said she gets free formula from WIC, the federally funded Women, Infants and Children nutrition program. But the powdered formula she gets each month isn't enough to feed La'Damian, so she used less formula — about four scoops when she should have used six. She has been feeding her son that combination since he was born.

"They basically told me there was nothing they could do, and to go find him a food bank," she said.

"That's what WIC is supposed to be there for," he said. "That's the frustration in this situation."

Officials at the state health department, which administers the program, couldn't comment on Moss' situation Monday. But the agency says the program is designed to be "supplemental."

The best — and cheapest — food for a baby is breast milk. Moss said she tried to nurse her 18-month-old daughter, Yasmine, and she always seemed hungry. So she didn't try to nurse La'Damian.

"We always try to encourage that because it's free," Orlowski said of breast-feeding. "But not all moms can breast-feed. … We do everything we can to promote breast-feeding."

Orlowski said hospital nurses tell new parents about the danger of overdiluting formula.

La'Damian, born weighing 5 pounds 8 ounces, now weighs 8 pounds 6 ounces. He should weigh nearly 12 pounds now, Orlowski said.

The children's father works putting up tents for special events, Moss said, but that work isn't steady. And she isn't working because she is studying to be a medical assistant.

Moss already has put that training to use. She learned infant CPR on the first day of class.

Fast facts

To get help feeding a baby

La Leche League, www.lllusa.org or breast-feeding help line, 1-877-4-LALECHE or 1-877-452-5324; this nonprofit group promotes breast-feeding and has information about local groups on its Web site.

WIC, the Women, Infants and Children program provides nutrition help, education and breast-feeding support to women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or recently pregnant, and to children under age 5.

In Hillsborough: (813) 307-8074

In Pinellas: St. Petersburg
(727) 824-6900, Largo (727) 588-4040, Clearwater (727) 298-2530, Pinellas Park (727) 547-7780, Tarpon Springs (727) 942-5457

On the Web: Florida Department of Health - Bureau of WIC and Nutrition

How you can help: Dial 211, the nationwide clearinghouse for people in need of social services. They can provide numbers and addresses of places to donate formula and food for the poor in your area.

Comments on this article

by Sad Situation	Dec 4, 2008 5:58 AM
To "GET THE FACTS," I think people would would "cut her some slack" if she took responsibility for the mistake instead of blaming the WIC Program. They gave her all the help they could. When does she finally take some responsiblity for her choices?

by momto3	Dec 4, 2008 5:58 AM
Do you know how much MA's make? Put it this way we will still be supporting her and her kids!! I dad had a stroke isnt he entitled to disability? Oh thats right you have had to work in order to receive that! Was isnt dad's name mentioned?

by Dee	Dec 4, 2008 5:58 AM
And as for the breastfeeding Nazis, my son broke my friggin' tailbone upon exit, and I was on painkillers for months. I'm sorry - was I supposed to dope up my kid via my breastmilk? What a sorry excuse on my part! rolls eyes Get over yourselves.

by Ellen	Dec 4, 2008 5:58 AM
WIC is SUPPLEMENTAL!! If WIC weren't there, what would she have done to get the formula they did provide? Be grateful someone was there to give assistance at all-don't blame them for not giving enough!!

by Dee	Dec 3, 2008 6:11 PM
I got preg last year (married for 7 yrs, btw) and w/in 2 months after that, I lost my job which ultimately resulted in the loss of my home this year. Life is unpredictable. I could "afford" plenty before I lost my job. Don't rush to judge.

by RLS	Dec 3, 2008 6:11 PM
Louis, why is she our burden? I don't remember signing up for that.

by idiots	Dec 3, 2008 4:34 PM
"You can't really understand another person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes." Donate to help those less fortunate, don't condemn them for BEING less fortunate than you. Lets hope nothing happens that puts you in the public eye!

by BFMXMOM	Dec 3, 2008 4:33 PM
SORRY TO LOUIS NOT ONLY BECAUSE SHE IS AMERICAN DOES SHE DESERVE HELP, EVEN THOUGH THERE MIGHT BE ALOT ILEGAL WOMAN AND CHILDREN ON WIC, THERE ARE ENOUGH LEGAL HISPANIC PEOPLE PAYING TAXES ALSO. PLUS WIC IS A SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAM.

by ON WIC	Dec 3, 2008 4:33 PM
I think WIC provides enough formula at least for the 1st couple of months and then they instruct you to introduce cereal at 4 mos. There is something wrong in this picture, baby had only gained 3lbs in 5 months. Was she selling the formula maybe?

by Wic Staff	Dec 3, 2008 4:33 PM
If she has an 18mon old she knows how WIC works and we are "supplemental" instead of blaming us for not giving enough formula she should plan better. Also it said she had been doing it since BIRTH. He could not have been using that much formula then

by patriot	Dec 3, 2008 4:32 PM
Hey here is a radical idea.... lady quit having babies you cannot afford to support !!!!!!!!

by WIC Worker	Dec 3, 2008 4:32 PM
WIC is a "supplemental" program. It doesn't provide all the formula needs. Every Mom is informed of this. WIC employees are not allowed to give more than the max. amnt regulated by the fed. gov't. We are not unsympathic to people's needs.

by thomas	Dec 3, 2008 4:31 PM
mark forget the race card...it doesnt work anymore

by JEANMARIE	Dec 3, 2008 4:31 PM
Without WIC the mom would have the choices:breastfeed or buy formula,or do both.With WIC she has exactly these same choices,only buying LESS formula...and she still wants to blame the hand that feeds her and her family? GET A GRIP!

by WIC Staff	Dec 3, 2008 3:45 PM
WIC is a SUPPLEMENTAL!!! We are NOT here to hand out what YOU are responsible to provide for YOUR child. Breastmilk is the BEST thing you can do for your baby NOT formula. If you can't buy the formula...BREASTFEED-IT'S FREE!!!!

by sad for baby	Dec 3, 2008 3:43 PM
Having the baby is not the issue. The problem is the diluted formula. I'm sure the mom won't try to give her baby 12oz of formula again. It's too much @ once any way. She should have stuck to 8oz water to 4 scoops of formula. Sad not breastfeeding

by Jenny	Dec 3, 2008 3:21 PM
I think all of you are stupid. I'm a 23 yr old single mom who did NOT breastfeed & my child is FINE! No way is better than the other, WOW u let ur baby suck ur boob so what? Some people need help quit complaining & help people who need!

by Honor	Dec 3, 2008 3:20 PM
Why are people discussing breast feeding when they should be discussing birth control?

by BB	Dec 3, 2008 3:12 PM
If you cant feed em, dont breed em.

by Marie	Dec 3, 2008 3:11 PM
I don't understand how a mother can think underdiluting formula is ok!! She is studying in the medical field she should've known better. WIC is to assist familiies not SUPPORT them. I work hard to make sure my kids are feed even if i skip a meal.

by Really?	Dec 3, 2008 2:46 PM
Oh I see, it's now WIC's fault?! WIC is a grant funded program and not paid for by tax dollars. Mom's are educated on proper mixing and given alternate resources when WIC cannot meet all of their needs.

by Jennifer	Dec 3, 2008 2:43 PM
The nerve of that doctor to blame the WIC program for her child being malnourished. It is not the general public responsibility to raise everyone else's kids.

by Jean	Dec 3, 2008 2:32 PM
It was the mother's choice NOT to Breastfeed('cause her 1st baby "botherered"her 2 much).Breastmilk is a safe,reliable and secure nutrition for babies.If she'd had breastfed at least PARTIALLY(4-6 x/day)she would not need more formula that WIC gives.

by Tina	Dec 3, 2008 2:01 PM
Sad, but true-many don't know all the facts, plus are not told by Drs. WIC does bring it up, but only if the mom tells she is over diluting to make it last. Everyone has to be accountable-EDUCATE YOURSELVES! Dont depend on others to take care of you.

by Im a Mom Too	Dec 3, 2008 2:01 PM
It is my understanding that WIC has changed how things are done.Instead of us getting EDUCATED in a "class", we now just sit and talk about whatever we feel WE need to know.This mom obviously didnt know what she "needed to know"-but it is on the can!

by Liz	Dec 3, 2008 2:00 PM
The true name of WIC is The Supplemental Food & Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. They may provide up to 10 cans of powered formula/month, enough for 30 oz/day-and moms are told how to mix it. It's there to help, not meet every need.

by WIC RD	Dec 3, 2008 2:00 PM
If the family needs help, from a human rights standpoint, help them.As Mother Theresa said,poverty in America is materialism and selfishness.Don't be so quick to to judge,as you do not know what your own future holds.

by WIC Staff	Dec 3, 2008 2:00 PM
WIC DOES have Breastfeeding Counselors to help those who choose to provide their own milk, the BEST milk-Breastmilk. Although we all know it is the best, it may not be what the family chooses. Then provided, a supplemental amt. of artificial formula.

by Michelle	Dec 3, 2008 2:00 PM
FYI: WIC is federally funded, but it is through a grant not federal tax money. on another note all mom's know that it is just supplemental and they will need to purchase a few more cans of their own.

by Dan	Dec 3, 2008 10:11 AM
Hey "yo solo yo" when a program is Federally funded, where do you think the Federal govt gets its money from? Hmm, well since they don't produce a product, the answer would be FEDERAL TAXES. It is run by the states but is funded w/ Federal Tax Money.

by Louis	Dec 3, 2008 10:07 AM
At least she isn't an illegal alien. She ius our burden justifiably. We need to take care of our own, here is a good example.

by Annette	Dec 3, 2008 10:07 AM
You know all of you are so rude, yes she is on WIC, stuff happens, does anybody think about the fact that her baby almost died because of an honest mistake? Learn compassion and learn to spell, you are all a sad bunch.

by DS	Dec 3, 2008 10:07 AM
BREASTFEEDING IS FREE. But everyone that should be breastfeeeding always seems to have an excuse why they can't.

by cs	Dec 3, 2008 10:07 AM
I could care less if a woman breastfeeds or formula feeds but anyone formula feeding has to READ THE CAN to know how much to give and it says on there not to give extra water!!! And, yes, that 18 mth old is WAY too big to be on a bottle.

by Just a reader	Dec 3, 2008 10:06 AM
It's ironic that some of the comments attack her intelligence, based on falsehoods. For example, the 18 month old isn't drinking the formula; the caption even states that. And if you can't spell or use proper grammar, hush about her intelligence.