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Home › Articles › Essays/Opinion › Taking Medication While Breastfeeding

Taking Medication While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding, Medication and the Right to Choose

By Lindsey Rock

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It Was My Choice-Breastfeeding, Medication and the Right to Choose

Before I had Harper I knew I would breastfeed her. I did not know of anyone currently breastfeeding. But I knew it was right for us.

I have Crohn's disease and am diagnosed bi-polar, so I have spent most of my life on one medication or another. I have always been a good girl and done what the doctor says. When I became pregnant I went off all my medications cold turkey, including lithium and a benzodiazapine (clonopin). I had no idea how long I would be able to remain off my medications but knew that I would breastfeed for as long as I could.

My initial goal was three months, as it seemed like this was what was normal and acceptable. As the six-month mark passed I thought, "Just try and stop me!" Life went on, unmedicated, uncomplicated. Both my general practitioner and my psychiatrist said that I was their only Crohn's or bi-polar patient to successfully breastfeed – a feat I am most proud of!

The First Red Flag
When Harper was 7 months old, I found myself admitted to the hospital with a bowel obstruction. The first night in the ER, I asked for – and they supplied me with – a breast pump. It was my first night away from her. As the hours progressed, the only medication I was given was morphine, generally safe to take while nursing. Every doctor and nurse who saw me was informed I was a nursing mom.

When it became clear that I had a bowel obstruction, I was told I might need to go on prednisone (a corticosteroid drug). This was the first red flag. It is contraindicated to take prednisone if you are bi-polar. I also thought that it was unfavorable to take while breastfeeding. Dr. Thomas Hale

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