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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Just found out that i won't be allowed to breastfeed

31 replies

memoo · 18/02/2009 13:54

And I'm gutted, after struggling with my last 2 I was so determined this time. Feel like I'm going to miss out on one of the loveliest bonds between a mother and her baby

OP posts:
Meglet · 18/02/2009 13:54

why aren't you allowed?

Trinityrhino · 18/02/2009 13:55

oh why aren't you allowed?

MarlaSinger · 18/02/2009 13:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BennyAndSwoon · 18/02/2009 13:56

are you on / will be on some kind of medication or something?

OracleInaCoracle · 18/02/2009 13:57

why would you not be allowed? am v confused.

Original poster
memoo · 18/02/2009 13:59

sorry should have explained a bit better.

I have an overactive thyroid that cause me to have problems with my heart. I have to take a few types of med to control it.

Unfortunately one of the meds passes through milk to baby and it can cause real problems. Because it is a med to reduce tyroid activity it can cause the baby's tyroid to become very inactive and this in turn can affect baby's mental development.

OP posts:
IwishIwasmoreorganised · 18/02/2009 13:59

Who has said that you're not allowed and why?

OracleInaCoracle · 18/02/2009 14:00

oh memoo, thats awful

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 18/02/2009 14:01

sorry - x posts!

Are there no other meds that you could change to that is safe to take while you bf? Have you asked for your consultant to review your meds with this in mind?

moondog · 18/02/2009 14:02

Memoo,I wouldn't take doc's word for that.They tend to just give a blanket no to all.
Check with one of breastfeeding organisations and Breastfeeding Network.

Original poster
memoo · 18/02/2009 14:03

have already changed meds to one that is safer in pregnancy but still not to breastfeed

OP posts:
BennyAndSwoon · 18/02/2009 14:04

have you checked kellymom?

So sorry

Meglet · 18/02/2009 14:04

Have you got second opinions? I was told after I had DS (by the midwife) I wasn't allowed to take some medication for constipation while BF and gave up BF because I was so miserable. Second time round with DD my gp said it was fine to take the stuff.

AnarchyAuntSaysRomanceIsDead · 18/02/2009 14:04

Have you checked theBfN factsheet on thyroid medication and BF?

If it really is unavoidable I'm really sorry, just remember there are plenty of ways to bond however you feed.

SnowlightMcKenzie · 18/02/2009 14:05

Also nearly every drug out there has an alternative. So what if it might be more expensive. Please call the bfing drugline and inform yourself.

psychomum5 · 18/02/2009 14:05

memoo.....makes sure you look into this a double check.

I know that tictok has said before on threads that there are actually only a small few drugs that pass thru.......ie, you may be able to feed.

sometimes consultants say these things because, morally and ethically, they cannot test drugs like these on pregnant/breastfeeding mothers and so say they are unsafe without actually knowing they are (IYGWIM).

please check. I can understand how sad you are now, but think how more gutwrenching it would be if you later find out that maybe you could have actually BF after all.

just a thought.......are you ok taking them in pregnancy?? if so, why exactly do they then become suddenly dangerous just thru feeding??

CharCharGabor · 18/02/2009 14:06

What's the drug called?

TartanPussyCat · 18/02/2009 14:07

Check this just in case.

Don't give up all hope just yet!

nancy75 · 18/02/2009 14:07

memoo, sorry to hear this as it is horrible for you, but am surprised to see the kellymom link saying that these drugs are ok to take and bf.
2 endochrinologists told me i could not bf when taking carbimazole, which that site says is ok, personally i would trust the doctors.

BennyAndSwoon · 18/02/2009 14:08

this is a US doc but can you see if your drugs are listed?

It may be something to take back to your doctor, as they are not always as informed as they seem.

I acknowledge that they may be right, it is just worth checking

Original poster
memoo · 18/02/2009 14:14

the drug i am on at the moment is propylthiouracil, This was changed from carbimazole as it is apparently safer. I also have to take beta blockers but don't think they are a problem.

I have kind of taken what the doc said as gospel but i'm really going to look into this. I have another appointment next wednesday so need to get myself armed with info before then.

I'm going to go and have a look at some of those links

OP posts:
Original poster
memoo · 18/02/2009 14:14

the drug i am on at the moment is propylthiouracil, This was changed from carbimazole as it is apparently safer. I also have to take beta blockers but don't think they are a problem.

I have kind of taken what the doc said as gospel but i'm really going to look into this. I have another appointment next wednesday so need to get myself armed with info before then.

I'm going to go and have a look at some of those links

OP posts:
CharCharGabor · 18/02/2009 14:15

Kellymom take their information from a US paediatrician called Dr. Thomas Hale. He is v pro bfing and a very respected dr over there

CharCharGabor · 18/02/2009 14:17

According to this site it's fine memoo if under 450mg in most cases. I've always found that site to be very trustworthy and accurate, and is based on research.

BennyAndSwoon · 18/02/2009 14:18

That drug is listed on the US list as safe as far as I can see. Also on the BfN leaflet (though with a small sample of mothers) there was no effect on the baby at 400 mg

Maybe print them off and show your Dr?