breast feeding safely?

Question

is it safe to breast feed when taking antiepileptic drugs?
and what counselling advice would you provide when changing antiepileptic drugs.

Answer 1

This is a question that you need not rely on yahoo answers. You should call your doctor before taking any medications when you are pregnant or lactating.

Answer 2

It depends on what anti-epileptic drugs you are taking:

From the link below:

Breastfeeding a newborn baby has many advantages, including maternal transfer of antibodies, as well as promoting bonding between mother and child. In addition, for many women, breastfeeding is an integral and important part of the experience of motherhood.

Given these considerations, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that women with epilepsy taking AEDs can breastfeed.[48] ....

In summary, breastfeeding is a viable option for women with epilepsy who are being treated with AEDs. Caution and clinical monitoring should be exercised if the mother is using phenobarbital, primidone, ethosuximide or lamotrigine. Larger scale studies are needed to better understand drug transfer in breast milk and metabolism in infants for all AEDs.

From the second link:
While the anti-epileptic drugs are present in breast milk, breastfeeding is encouraged. Breastfeeding can generally be done safely, since the baby has been exposed to the anti-epileptic drugs throughout the pregnancy and the absolute amounts of drug are low. Strategies such as taking the anti-epileptic drugs immediately after a feeding should be considered to minimize the amount of drugs in a feeding. Breastfeeding is generally safe and recommended for its important benefits to the infant.

Answer 3

I would talk to Motherisk, they have the advice you need regarding what meds are safe(r) and at what doses:

http://motherisk.org/women/index.jsp
[phone] - Motherisk Info Line -Ask about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy and while nursing 9-5 EST

Answer 4

Were you taking this med while pregnant? If so, it's okay. If you change drugs, your dr. needs to be aware that you're nursing a baby so that baby doesn't get something he doens't need.

TX Mom

Answer 5

This is very serious and needs to be handled by a doctor. Good luck!