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Botox and Fillers and Breastfeeding
There is no published research that I have been able to find and trust on the passage of fillers into milk so I cant say that they are safe or unsafe. I just do not know. If you choose to have cosmetic botox please ensure that it is a licensed product being used UKHSA issues […]
The menopause and breastfeeding
I’m seeing increasing numbers of questions form mums in the perimenopause who are still breastfeeding. Maybe they delivered later or maybe they have been feeding to term or maybe lots of other reasons. I remember asking for blood tests to check my hormone levels because I just couldn;t think clearly anymore and my memory was […]
Bowel cleansing before colonoscopy and breastfeeding
Just recently I have been contacted by several mothers who were told that they cant breastfeeding during the 24 hour period of bowel prep prior to a colonoscopy or for 24 hours following the procedure under sedation. This is not supported by research and understanding of the pharmacokinetics of the drugs used. It is also […]
If a healthcare professional tells you to stop breastfeeding to take a medication….
I’m going to prescribe drug x but I’m afraid it means you need to stop breastfeeding. Does this sound familiar. It seems to come up frequently on social media platforms but is it true? In 2008 I was part of the guideline development group for maternal and infant nutrition PH11 https://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/PH11. It includes a recommendation […]
Cannabis and Breastfeeding
Cannabis use on a regular basis by breastfeeding mothers concerns me. Cannabis has a long half life (25-57 hours) and it takes 5 times this to be removed from milk. THC crosses the blood brain barrier and it is known to accumulate in body fats. Although it is highly protein bound and subject to first […]
Ustekinumab (Stelara ™) and Breastfeeding
Ustekinumab is a disease modifying, biological drug used to treat psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohns disease, and ulcerative colitis. It is given by sub cutaneous injection. It has a molecular weight 149,000, poor oral bioavailability and milk plasma ratio 0.001 – 0.027 Ustekinumab is a recombinant human monoclonal TNF antibody that binds specifically to TNF- […]
Adalimumab (Humira™) and Breastfeeding
Adalimumab is a disease modifying, biological drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis and Hidradenitis suppurativa. It is given by sub cutaneous injection. It has a molecular weight 148,000. Poor oral bioavailability and relative infant dose 0.12% ( well below 10% regarded as compatible). Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal […]
A podcast recorded by Emma Pickett
I recently recorded this podcast with Emma and feel very emotional about talking about my journey but think it explains many things Hope you enjoy and thank you Emma
Detox products and Breastfeeding
I am often asked about products, usually herbal, to detox and about breastfeeding afterwards. In general these products contain a combination of herbal laxatives and at least one diuretic . Basically the result is to make you pass more urine and develop diarrhoea to “cleanse” the system and usually to lose weight. There is a […]
Caffeine and Breastfeeding
Several questions have come up recently about caffeine intake and breastfeeding. With spending more time indoors we are probably all drinking more caffeinated beverages. Most of us drink caffeine in one form or another. Women who drink a significant amount of caffeinated drinks who notice that their babies are jittery and restless, may find reduction […]