Which is better: Organic Formula or BreastMilk from mother on medical drug?

[germin8]

Hello all.

I am the type of person to avoid medication at all costs (by eating healthy and/or trying natural healing alternatives). I am not against the medical industry... but, I do NOT believe people should live on medicine if they don't have to.

So, when we found out I had a low milk supply, we were surprised and now faced with the decision to try medicine and/or accept donated milk from someone on a medical drug. I know "drugs" may be "proven safe"... etc, etc... but really, is breast milk from a mother on a medical drug better than organic formula? The baby's liver is not fully capable of detoxing until about the age of 7... (so I heard).

Please advise. Is there any information you can point me to on this.

I am leaning toward, "yes, breastmilk is better even if on medical drug". But, I'd like to hear from others with similar ideas on medical drugs & health.

Thank you in advance.

[Heba]

It does depend on which medicine. That said, in the vast majority of cases, the risks of artificial formula far outweigh the risks that a drug may pose. Breastfeeding is absolutely contraindicated in the case of only a few drugs.

Reading up on the risks of formula may help you to make a decision (not to scare you, but to give you a realistic idea of what the risks are), and also finding out which drug(s) is involved. Some drugs do not pass into milk (the molecules are too big), and of those which do, many are safe.

You might find this introduction on the safety of drugs in breastmilk helpful: http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org....March_2009.pdf

The same organisation has many other factsheets, some of which may be pertinent: http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org....actsheets.html . There is one on domperidone and metaclopramide - which may be two of the drugs you might be considering to tackle low supply.

You can also look up the safety data on specific medicines in "Medications and Mother's Milk" by Thomas Hale (the leading expert on the subject) - I don't know which country you live in, but your local LLL Leader may have a copy, and you would also be able to talk through your decision with her - ditto other trained counsellors from peer support organisations. The LactMed database is also a fantastic resource with similar information: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT

GOod luck!

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by Heba

It does depend on which medicine. That said, in the vast majority of cases, the risks of artificial formula far outweigh the risks that a drug may pose. Breastfeeding is absolutely contraindicated in the case of only a few drugs.

I would suggest you read Dr Jack Newman's thoughts on this issue. Perhaps your local library will have his book (http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Breas...1784883&sr=8-3)

Also, it helps to remember that breastfeeding is not just about food. It's also about boosting the immune system, developing the brain emotionally as well as cognitively, and developing the face/jaw. If you are not already doing it, I would consider supplementing at the breast.

Best wishes! Please stop back and let us know how you are doing.

[cchrissyy]

It depends entirely on the medication in question. Are you willing to post it? otherwise, try it on the resource sites already listed.

[Megan73]

It depends on the drug. There are only a small number of medications where breastfeeding is truly contraindicated. Donated breast milk from a known, screened donor is always a better choice than formula.
Are you also considering taking a "medical drug" yourself - domperidone - to increase your milk supply so you can feed your baby more of your own milk? Domperidone is safe and effective for nursing mothers.
I agree with Patio, you can also feed your baby exclusively at the breast with a Lact-Aid even if you can't exclusively feed your own milk.

[AislinCarys]

As has been said, above, the safety of medicines depends on several things.

Most importantly: Does it transfer into breastmilk? (Domperidone only transfers in trace amounts, if any)

And, Would it be harmful for the baby, in whatever amount it reaches the baby (Domperidone is a drug that has been used to treat reflux in babies, the reason it isn't usually given anymore is not that it is unsafe, but that there are other meds that work better.)

Agree about using SNS and lactaid.

Will add too: We were concerned and didn't know enough, and we try to avoid meds at all as well. So we waited for as long as we could. DON'T! The earlier, the more likely you have a good result, in shorter time (so less usage of meds).

And breastmilk with drug that is compatible with breastfeeding is in my mind much better than formula!

[germin8]

Well, what I didn't mention is that we are already on Domperidone using the SNS. But, we are accepting breast milk donations and sometimes donors are on prescription drugs. I'm not sure I would accept BM from a mother on an anti-depressant since it passes the blood brain barrier (and not sure if it passes the baby's). But... I am considering BM from mother's on, say, birth control. Specifically, Camila.

Thank you for the links... I have decided, in this case, BM is superior to organic formula.

[boobs4milk]

http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/search.cgi

you can search meds there.

[luvmybaby333]

If the drug has been deemed "safe" for breastfeeding, then 9 times out of 10: the breastmilk would be a better choice.

[JessicaS]

Generally breastfeeding on the medication is better but it really depends on the medication in question.

For instance, if a mother needs to take Lithium then it would be better that her child be given formula.

Zoloft however is considered safe for breastfeeding.

I agree that Thomas Hale is a great resource for that information.

[PatioGardener]

OP, how are you doing?

[nerdymom]

Sounds like you have received really sound advice from this thread. Just to add my 2 cents I would do the donated milk as well. I imagine one would not be able to donate if you were on dangerous medications, that would be a good question to ask the milk bank.

Also, how old is your baby? Don't lose hope, do as many feedings at the breast (with sns or similar) as you can and don't forget about herbs like fenugreek, fennel, anise, goat's rue, nettle, oatstraw (and oatmeal), hops, and alfalfa. Chammomile is also helpful as it aides relaxation for an easier let-down.

Hang in there! I hope things get easier soon!

[OurGift]

Just want to mention that I've glanced at organic formula before and one of the first or the very first ingredient was organic corn syrup. I believe there are a couple of brands that do not use corn syrup, i'm not sure which though. Sorry I can't be much more help...

[germin8]

Originally Posted by nerdymom

...
Also, how old is your baby? Don't lose hope, do as many feedings at the breast (with sns or similar) as you can and don't forget about herbs like fenugreek, fennel, anise, goat's rue, nettle, oatstraw (and oatmeal), hops, and alfalfa. Chammomile is also helpful as it aides relaxation for an easier let-down.
...

She's 2 months old. I just ordered alfalfa and fenugreek which I plan to sprout; should be more nutritious than tablet/pill form. I am also taking Goat's Rue and More Milk Plus. Eating lots of galgactagogues and have to start sesame seeds (for calcium). I plan to chew on fennel seed and roast some fennel bulb too.

Chammomile? Hmmm, I should try that because I have a totally underactive let-down. I think. I have to really squeeze the milk out.

Originally Posted by OurGift

...very first ingredient was organic corn syrup...

Yes, I'm disappointed that corn syrup is the number one ingredient in most formula.


Thanks for all the input. I've decided to go with the breastmilk.

[nerdymom]

Glad to hear it! Also don't forget that nothing is more efficient at triggering the let down reflex than a suckling baby. Some moms simply cannot express or pump anything of substance (like me) yet their babies get plump and happy on their milk. I'm assuming that since your DD is 2 months old that she may be having growth issues which have raised concerns about your supply. Make sure they are using the weight charts for breast-fed babies and not formula-fed. I know that can cause problems for some moms.

Also, if you're feeling anxious tense while breastfeeding, a nice dark hoppy beer or a glass of wine will help you relax. And I've read that only 3% of the mother's blood alcohol level actually passes into the milk so your baby won't be in danger of the alcohol, as long as you use moderation. The hops in beer are also long-respected galactagogues.