Breastfeeding on Meds?

[liljen8675]

Hello Everyone! My name is Jennifer and I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2008. My question to all of you is about breastfeeding. We are expecting our first child in four weeks and I really want to breastfeed because I know it is what is best for him. I am currently taking Apriso and have been very well on it. Does anyone have any experience with breastfeeding and Apriso or any other mesalamine medications? My GI just really doesn't have a perfect answer. He is currently waiting on another opinion from some other kind of Dr(forgot what kind of Dr he said). He is a GI, not a lactation specialist or a pediatrician so I do not really expect him to have all the answers on this subject. I have contacted a lactation specialist at the hospital and she did not have much info either. My next step will be to contact a pediatrician but am afraid I am going to get the same response. If you look online it says if you are going to breastfeed than do it with caution. The meds can cause watery diarhea(spell?)/stools in baby. I do not want to make my baby sick and dehydrated. I really want to breastfeed because of all the health benefits to him. It really is the best food for them. Has anyone breastfed with Apriso or any other type of mesalamine meds and how did it affect your baby? Thank you!

 

[itsMeFred]

Congrats!

I would HIGHLY recommend you contact your local La Leche League leader.
Not just for the meds question, but also for BFing support once your baby is here.

Call 800-LaLeche to find her.
You can also do a search at LLL's website: http://www.llli.org
Ultimately, you're looking for someone who has access to the latest edition of Medications and Mothers' Milk (Mine is tucked away in storage, 90 miles away, and about 10 years out of date)

ETA: http://www.lllofga.org/
This is the link directly to Georgia's LLL page.
(And don't be put off by the membership thing. You don't have to be a member to talk to a Leader, or even attend regular meetings)

 

[liljen8675]

Thank you so much! I will look into that

 

[Lydia]

The only meds that are completely contraindicated is methotrexate and some of the really strong antibiotics like flagyl or cipro. All other drugs can be taken if the benefit outweighs the risk to you. That is, its your choice. While the side effects may occur in some babies, it doesnt occur in all, so if it doesnt, you are set.

 

[itsMeFred]

Kellymom is also a really good resource for all things breastfeeding/natural parenting.

Here's her list of AAP-approved common meds for use while breastfeeding:
http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/aap-approved-meds.html
Cipro, for example is approved by the AAP. It's considered a L3 lactation risk by Hale (Medications and Mother's Milk), meaning it's considered "moderately safe."

 

[xJillx]

The only meds that are completely contraindicated is methotrexate and some of the really strong antibiotics like flagyl or cipro. All other drugs can be taken if the benefit outweighs the risk to you.

Hi and welcome! First off, congratulations! What exciting news! How has your pregnancy been?

I agree with Lydia, especially that the benefits of your treatment outweighs the risks. I have discussed this with my GI, as I would like to start a family sooner than later. I take Lialda (Mesalamine) and she suggests if I were to get pregnant to remain taking it through pregnancy and breastfeeding. The postpartum period can be difficult, says my GI, but she isn't sure if it is due to the fact that many women stop treatment to breastfeed. So, if you want to stay well to be able to enjoy your little one, be sure to stick with the treatment that is currently working.

Please keep us posted in the Pregnancy & Crohn's sub-forum!