Breastfeeding & Meds

[chopstickgirl]

Wondering how I could find out about the safety of stronger meds and breastfeeding? I feel like my cardiologist didn't even look into it. I am going to the Brigham and Women's Hospital in September, so perhaps I can ask Dr.Baughman then. But I would like to see if there IS an ACE I could still breastfeed on...or a different/stronger beta blocker...

TIA

JEN

[JAMESFETT]

it's not an easy call when advising about use of ACE-I in breastfeeding moms. The problem is that no real testing has been done. There is very small amount of medication coming through in breast milk, and we feel the ACE-I is such an important part of the treatment of ppcm that we do use captopril or enalopril or lisinopril, because those are the least expensive and available. Many of the Haitian mothers lose their milk supply due to the seriousness of their illness, and they find a "wet nurse" because it is simply not possible to buy infant formula--the people are too poor.

James

[tbarton]

I've found Thomas Hale's book Medications and Mother's Milk to be a handy resource. Most LLL leaders have access to it or you can order it online. His website is also helpful. http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/ Check the forums for different types of medicines.

Teresa
diagnosed with ppcm July 2002

[SusanD]

My cardio strongly suggested I stop, but left the decision up to me. I just decided at that point that there was so much I was going to feel guilty about, that passing on the meds to her was one thing I refused to even have on my worry card. Plus, one of the main Rx's for PPCM is rest, rest and more rest....virtually impossible to do if you are breastfeeding. We switched to formula, Dh and MIL were able to help out with the night feedings and I got to rest. My EF was back to normal pretty much within 6 months. I've had ZERO guilt about it all and my DD is perfectly fine and healthier than a lot of bfed babies I know.

*You* need to make that decision but base it on your health as well.