Betamethasone—do we have to wean?

[annaknitsspock]

Hi mamas. I could really use some help. I've just been prescribed topical Betamethasone cream and the doctor was concerned about transfer to my DD. I checked in with her pediatrician who said it was fine, and I have a call in to the office's lactation consultant, but I'm feeling worried. 

Does anyone have experience with this medication or know of a good place I can find out if it's compatible with nursing? My DD is 2 years old, and while her nursing is beginning to wind down, weaning suddenly would be incredibly difficult. I need to start the medication as soon as possible; I can delay maybe a month, two at the absolute most, but it would be better to start it immediately. I will be taking it for the foreseeable future. 

Slight TMI warning here: I am applying the cream directly to my genitals—does anyone know if that increases the possibility of transfer through my milk?

Thanks in advance.

[womenswisdom]

Call the phone number at the Infant Risk Center at Texas Tech University. Dr. Hale (who literally wrote the book on breastfeeding and medications) runs the department and their hotline is there to ask questions just like this. I would imagine it would be fine, since generally topical medications are not well-absorbed systemically and have a very low transfer rate into the milk.

[annaknitsspock]

That's a great resource--thanks! I will give them a call.