Side Effects of Reglan

Breastfeeding Mothers who are experiencing difficulty with low milk supply have sometimes been prescribed Reglan to boost milk production without being told about long term side effects of the drug.

One side effect is the chance of developing Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). Reglan causes damage to the bodily systems which produce dopamine. The symptoms of TD are irreversible, uncurable and similar to Parkinson's disease. The disease continues after the use of Reglan is discontinued.

For more information, contact Banjamin Leer 800-584-6601, National Awareness Coordinator, Tardive Dyskinesia Center.

Breastfeeding and Medications

On Thursday, Betsy and I attended an Arizona Latch Seminar.  The speaker this meeting was Amy Spangler, MN, RN, IBCLC who has authored several breastfeeding books including Breastfeeding, A Parent's Guide.  The two topics she discussed were on breastfeeding and medication and Vitamin D deficiency.  This blog entry I will discuss breastfeeding and medication.

The take home message for mothers to know is that there are many medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding.  As a side note, medications that are safe for a breastfeeding mother are not necessarily safe during pregnancy.  During pregnancy, the placenta and medication transfer is different than medication transfer into breast milk.  When a breastfeeding mother takes a drug (depending on the form) the drug must be absorbed through the GI tract, into the milk supply, then pass through the infants GI tract to then end up in the babies bloodstream.  There are many obstacles and processes that must occur that result in the infant only receiving a minuscule amount of medication in the bloodstream.

Talk with your doctor before taking any medication.  Also, be an informed patient and refer to a great online resource for a list of approved medications (prescribed and over-the-counter):

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov

A great set of questions Spangler believes you should ask yourself and your doctor are:

• Is the drug really necessary?
• Is there a topical alternative?
• Can the drug be safely given directly to baby?
• What do reliable sources of information say about the drug?

Remember, breastfeeding is the best choice for you and your baby.  Be an informed patient and advocate before taking medication while breastfeeding or before weaning your baby in order to take a medication.

Sending Doula Love,

CC

Graco Stroller Recall

Recall for Graco Quatro and Metro Lite strollers due to risk of strangulation.  Recall for Graco Quattro Strollers manufactured prior to November 2006 and Metro Lite Strollers manufactured prior to July 2007.

For more information, click on the link below:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11015.html

For new parents, when shopping for baby products at second hand stores and garage sales, it is important to be aware of older models potentially being recalled.

Evenflo Maestro Car Seat Recall

Parents with Evenflo Maestro Child Safety Seat, check out the recall on NHTSA Website:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/CA/10-15-2010

Probiotics as a form of Treatment for Infants with Colic or Irregular Bowels

Many families that doulas work with are often concerned with excessive crying and in extreme cases, colic.  Some cases of colic are caused by irregular bowels and excessive gas. 

I worked with a family with an infant whom cried often and had irregular bowels.  Their pediatrician recommend Bio Gaia.  It is a probiotic, Lactobacillus reuteri.  Probiotics are the active ingredients in yogurts like Activia that help adults with digestive regulation.  

Here is the link to their website and an article in support of using the product for colic babies:

http://www.biogaia.com/consumer/facts-about-infant-colic  

I found that when using the product, the newborn's bowels were more regular which ultimately made him a more comfortable and happy baby.

It will be interesting to see the continued research for using probiotics as a treatment for infants with colic or irregular bowels.  I would be much more comfortable giving newborns probiotics as opposed to Karo Syrup or fruit juice which some pediatricians recommend to encourage bowel movement.

Bio Gaia can be purchased online or ordered through your local pharmacy (no prescription needed)

Sending Doula Love,

CC