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Neuropathic pain – gabapentin, amitriptyline and pregabalin and Breastfeeding

On my mission again today to write information on the frequently asked questions by mothers and professionals. Neuropathic pain affects many mothers with chronic conditions and the data is not easy to find. I hope this information, much taken from my book, is useful.

If these fact sheets are proving helpful in your practice maybe you need a copy of Breastfeeding and Medication – available from Amazon and Routledge

Neuropathic pain and breastfeeding

Terminations of pregnancy and Breastfeeding

I have had 6 mothers contact me in the past 72 hours asking about continuing to breastfeed an older child after a termination. It is hard enough to have to make the decision to terminate without having to lose the current breastfeeding experience. So here, without judgement, is the information that mothers, their family and professionals may need to protect that relationship.

This is data taken from my book. Why not buy a copy! Worth every penny

terminations and breastfeeding

Cocaine and Breastfeeding

Using cocaine when breastfeeding is obviously not a good idea, apart from being illegal. But from messages I get almost every week it seems not uncommon. Everyone says that they are embarrassed and regretful and promise not to do again but need to know how to maintain milk supply and keep baby safe. In my quest to provide information to frequently asked questions this is detailed research on cocaine and the breastfeeding mother taken from an article I wrote for The Practising Midwife (Jones W Cocaine use and the breastfeeding mother. Pract Midwife. 2015 Jan;18(1):19-22.) as well as my book Breastfeeding and Medication

Breastfeeding and Cocaine use

Cocaine use and the Breastfeeding Mother (PubMed)

Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol®) and Breastfeeding

 

Another of the frequently asked questions is the use of Pepto Bismol™ for indigestion or nausea

Pepto Bismol™ is marketed to relieve symptoms of upset stomach and diarrhoea. It’s active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate, so it is related to aspirin which we avoid during breastfeeding at painkilling doses.

We are unsure if bismuth subsalicylate passes into a mother’s breast milk. Although bismuth salts are poorly absorbed from the maternal GI tract, significant levels of salicylate could be absorbed in theory. There are currently no reports of Reye’s syndrome in babies exposed to bismuth subsalicylate and it is normally only used very short term for stomach upset.

Breastfeeding mothers would be well advised to use alternative products to treat acute diarrhoea E.g. loperamine (Imodium®) if possible. However, In my experience of queries Pepto Bismol may be the only product available late at night and at weekends. The risk of short term use is probably low although this cannot be proved. The decision remains with the mother as to whether she wants to take it. Continuing to breastfeed during a stomach upset transfers antibodies to the baby to offer protection from the bacterial or viral condition.

It is also advertised to treat heartburn and indigestion for which there are many alternative remedies which are safe in breastfeeding, containing aluminium, calcium and magnesium carbonate.

 

Treating coughs. colds and sore throat in the breastfeeding mum facebook live video

Every year there are many questions on coughs, colds and sore throat so thought I would pre-empt them this year by recording a live video as well as the links and fact sheets

Hope everyone has a healthy winter !

Treating coughs colds and sore throats in the breastfeeding mother

cough and cold remedies and breastfeeding 2018

sore throat and breastfeeding 2018

Treating coughs, colds and sore throats in the breastfeeding mother

Lots of coughs and colds starting already so some information to pre-empt the questions which come every year

Posted by Breastfeeding and Medication on Thursday, September 13, 2018
Breastfeeding and Chronic Medical Conditions, Wendy Jones

Post partum cardiomyopathy and breastfeeding

Great article from UKDILAS – www.cfrjournal.com/articles/postpartum-cardiomyopathy-and-considerations-breastfeeding

Abstract

Postpartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare condition that develops near the end of pregnancy or in the months after giving birth, manifesting as heart failure secondary to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Clinical progression varies considerably, with both end-stage heart failure occurring within days and spontaneous recovery seen. Treatment pathways for heart failure are well established, but the evidence about the safety of medicines passed to infants during breastfeeding is scarce and mainly poor; this often leads to an incorrect decision that a mother should not breastfeed. Given its benefits to both mother and infant, breastfeeding should not routinely be ruled out if the mother is taking heart failure medication but the consequences for the infant need to be considered. An informed risk assessment to minimise potential harm to the infant can be carried out using the evidence that is available along with a consideration of drug properties, adverse effects, paediatric use and pharmacokinetics. In most cases, risks can be managed and infants can be monitored for potential problems. Breastfeeding can be encouraged in women with cardiac dysfunction with PPCM although treatment for the mother takes priority with breastfeeding compatibility being the secondary consideration. International research is continuing to establish efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy in PPCM.

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