quick clicks

babies today articles

babies today q&a

toddlers today articles

toddlers today q&a

breastfeed.com articles

breastfeed.com q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Expert Q&A

	By Melissa Clark Vickers International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.

Since delivering my second set of twins via Cesarean section, my blood pressure has been elevated. I have never had hypertension before. I was put on Clonidine. Now I have Bradycardia. I will see a Cardiologist tomorrow. I looked in a PDR, and Bradycardia is a side effect of the Clonidine. If my doctors determine that my Bradycardia is related to the Clonidine and decide to put me on a different medication for the hypertension, what can I take and still breastfeed? My twins are almost three months. Thank you!"

Your doctor is the best person to advise you on what drugs might be best for your situation. Make sure he or she knows you are breastfeeding and wish to continue. Once you know what drug the doctor suggests, then you can get information on that particular drug. You can call your local La Leche League Leader (1-800-La Leche) for specific information on medications and breastfeeding. LLL Leaders are not qualified to prescribe or even suggest medications, but they can share information with you that you can share with your doctor about the research on that particular drug.

One other note, the PDR is not the best drug reference for breastfeeding mothers. There are other sources that base their recommendations on research on breastfeeding mothers. The USPDI, a pharmaceutical reference that many pharmacists have, is a better source for this kind of information. Another excellent reference that many LLL Leaders and Lactation Consultants (look for ones with IBCLC -- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant -- after their names) have available to them is Dr. Thomas Hale's Medications and Mother's Milk.

View more Q&A by this Expert