This ISN'T a Breastfeeding Thread... Just Want to Know...

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Which medications absolutely CANNOT be given to a breastfeeding mother. They say Toradol is now safe to give. Know chemotherapy and some antidepressants are not safe. Just need your input and anything you have experienced in your practice that would be of interest. (Yeah, I'm working on my lecture :))

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

The current thought on this subject changes about every day! My best suggestions would be to get a current NICU drug reference, talk to a pharmacist who specializes in NICU patients (found at most level III centers), or contact a lactation specialist.

That said, I know that thyroid hormone is a big no-no. Cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) are usually avoided, and lithium (for bi-polar patients) is discouraged as well.

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There is a wonderful book that is the bible where medications and breastfeeding is concerned. It is by Dr. Tom Hale.... "Medications and Mother's Milk". There is also a website with lots of information http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/

Wanted to add-- http://neonatal.ama.ttuhsc.edu/discus/messages/72/347.html

"thyroxin does not penetrate milk to any degree. So as long as mom is supplemented to raise her thyroid levels to the normal range, there is absolutely no problem with breastfeeding. "

Tom Hale, PH.D.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

IMO, all post-partum and NICU floors should have a copy of that book. Especially useful for housestaff.

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Specializes in Gerontological, cardiac, med-surg, peds.

Thank you very much!!

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ITA. We refer to the Tom Hale on the unit.

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I used my copy of Hales at the very least 4 times a day when doing Peds triage/advice. Amazing how many Docs (including OB/GYN) will prescribe a med to a BF mom and tell her to ask the Ped is it is safe to use :(.

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Hale's book MEDICATIONS AND MOTHER'S MILK and DRUGS IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION by Briggs are pretty much the gold standard. Please use those for reference.

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