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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

I understand that I cannot continue to breastfeed and take Clomid at the same time. However, can I ""pump and dump"" while on Clomid and then, when the Clomid is cleared from my system (and I am hopefully pregnant again), resume breastfeeding my daughter. I am in a real dilemma here, as I do not want to cut my daughter short of breastfeeding but want to have more children. I am currently 38; my husband is 40. I needed Clomid to get pregnant the first time due to very irregular periods (PCOS) and don't want to waste time in ""trying"" to conceive again – very tough decision for me. I love our breastfeeding experience and want to continue."

I see and feel your dilemma. I don't know how old your daughter is right now, but it sounds like you are not ready to give up your breastfeeding relationship quite yet. You would really like a sister or brother for her, and yet you are not sure if you will be able to get pregnant again. It is a darn tough decision.

I am a lactation consultant but not a doctor. I can share the information I have about Clomid in my Medications and Mothers' Milk, 2004 edition. Dr. Hale's information shows that this medicine totally inhibits the milk of moms who have not yet established lactation, but its efficacy in reducing milk of mothers whose lactation is already established is unknown but believed to be minimal.

It is considered an L4 risk, which means that it is possibly hazardous, meaning there is a positive risk to a breastfed infant or to breast milk production. It is not clear which. The adult half life of this medication is five to seven days, which is usually interpreted as meaning that it will clear your system in 25 to 35 days after the last dose.

Please discuss the advisability of pumping and discarding your milk with your health care provider and your pharmacist to get their medical opinion.

You sound like a wonderful mom. I wish you and your husband well as you make this most difficult decision."

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