How do you find out if a drug is Ok for BF?

[KristinaM]

I have to have a minor surgical procedure under sedation and local anaesthetic (rather than a GA). How do i find out if the drug they use for sedation is Ok for breast feeding? I believe its called Medazalam and I assume will be given IV.

If its not Ok, I suppose I just need to pump and dump, right? For how long?

PS Yes, I KNOW the doctor should know this, but they just looked blank.....suspect they will just tell me to stop Bf , since baby is 6 months

Message withdrawn

Oh dear - your doctor and anethetist should really be of more help. Its a long shot but you could try your local pharmacist, they all have a book to hand which describe a drugs properties and whether its suitable for use in pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding etc. Failing that you could go back to your antenatal practice or get in contact with your midwife - they will certainly know.

KristinaM - Midazolam is a benzodiazepine and the BNF says: 'Present in milk - avoid if possible'

Surprised your GP didn't just look that up for you - it took me less than a minute!!! Crap!

midazolam will be present in breast milk so is best avoided whilst breast feeding if possible. If you can't avoid the anaesthetic, then i think you would be best to leave breast feeding for 24 hrs, pumping and dumping. HTH

Info here, too
US sitewww.kellymom.com/health/meds/sedation.html

When you look it up, get the spelling right, Kristina

Can't imagine why you would need to pump and dump for 24 hours - seems an age. If it is no longer affecting you (ie not in your blood) it won't be in your milk. Ask the doc for some good info, and point out the baby is 6 mths - less of a concern than with a tiny newborn. Ask him how long the half life of the drug is. You may be able to feed the baby before the op, and then by the time it needs another feed, maybe it will have worn off. But it's up to you, once you have the info.

crappy link formatting, sorry

here's tiktok's link

Check the British National Formulary website. www.bnf.org/bnf/

You have to register but is free. Just type in drug name & search then when info pops up scroll down to bf section. You then have to put your registration details to get info.

You could serch on the WWW with the drug name to see what manufacturers & support groups etc say.

The BNF is not particularly good with regard to drugs and breastmilk - nearly evry drug has a caution beside it. Hale is much better see here

I checked out the Hale site and it wont let you enter a question unless you are a health care professional. Also in answer to questions he often just refers people to his book. Any suggestions?
Doc is not much use I'm afraid. Just seems AMAZED that i am STILL BF. Suspect they see this as a "good reason" to stop. I don't.

Found it on the kellymom site and she says its ok - no need to pump and dump as drug has short half life. Am now confused.......[confused emoticom]

midazolam wears off very quickly (short half life) so you will be fine to breastfeed when you get home. Even if there were still some in the milk, the worst that could happen is that your baby would sleep a bit better! It's a drug commonly used for sedation in minor procedures in children too.

HTH

Thank you Tissy. And everyone else of course

found this site which is good drugs

Scroll down the page to find midazolam. Should be fine.

Do not give up BF until you have looked at this website: www.kellymom.com (silly name for a very scientific website !!) - it is based in the USA and most certainly the most scientific website I have found on BF. There is a section on what drugs are safe. These have been classified by the American Academy of Pediatrics (they have their own website www.aap.org) - unfortunately I have found that there is full-blown ignorance about BF amongst most of the health professionals I have come across so far here in the UK. It is best to do your own research before you make any decisions. Good luck !!