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Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) and Breastfeeding
Certolizumab pegol is anti TNF alpha drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. What makes it different is that it is the first drug I can remember which has been licensed for use in pregnancy and in breastfeeding. This means that the manufacturer in applying for marketing authority has […]
A very special day in my life – awarded an MBE and presented with it by Her Majesty The Queen
On Friday March 22nd I had one of the most wonderful, magical days of my life – I was presented with my MBE by Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle. I was lucky enough to have all 3 of my amazing daughters and my wonderful husband there to share it with me as they […]
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 […]
Post operative analgesia for the breastfeeding mother
Having had to support a mum with a fracture this week told that she could have adequate analgesia or breastfeed but not both I have decided to cut this out if the anaesthesia document so that it stands alone. I continue to be frustrated by the lack of understanding of professionals about normal breastfeeding let […]
Propranolol and breastfeeding
I’m trying to build fact sheets on the drugs I am most frequently asked about. One that comes up frequently is propranolol to prevent migraines, to relieve anxiety and to remove symptoms of over active thyroid. Propranoolol can be used by breastfeeding mothers so long as they are not asthmatic. propranolol and breastfeeding
CBD Oil and breastfeeding
Lots of people seem to be interested in using CBD oil for chronic pain and/ or for anxiety. Sadly there is no research on the amount that passes through into breastmilk so I am unable to say whether it is safe for a breastfeeding mother to take or not at this time.
Change the conversation about medicines and breastfeeding
I spend on average 4 full hours across every day providing info to mums told they HAVE to stop breastfeeding to take medicines. Do more people know about the drugs in breastmilk service or are professionals less willing to take risks so stopping breastfeeding seen as best option? How can we change the conversation ? […]
Treating babies with reflux and GORD
It seems form social media that many babies are now being diagnosed and treated for reflux (GORD). Before labelling a baby as having a medical condition it is often useful to seek input from a breastfeeding expert and consideration of the position the baby is in after a breastfeed. Not all babies who throw up […]
How to make an informed decision about drugs that you might be taking while planning a pregnancy
drugs in pregnancy 2 factsheet
Pee and Poo Chart
During my presentation to LLL Ireland I was asked where was it possible to obtain a copy of the pee and poo chart I mentioned. This is from my book The importance of Dads and Grandmas to the Breastfeeding Mum. Hope it helps Mums, Dads and Grandparents keep track of adequate breastfeeds and output to […]