Almost every mom has been worried about what they are putting in their body at one point or another. Whether sushi or pasteurized cheese while pregnant or broccoli and garlic when nursing, nothing is off limits for evaluation when you are growing or feeding a new and precious life.
One of the biggest sources of stress and worry for moms can come from medications. Uncertainty about what is or isn't safe while pregnant and breastfeeding is beyond understandable. In today's world "Dr. Google" and other "Dr. Moms" on chat boards and parenting groups can confuse information and crowd a conversation. Even our MD's don't always know the latest research or thinking about breastfeeding, let alone breastfeeding and various medication.
Fortunately there are reliable, evidence-based resources for pregnant and nursing moms. Dr. Thomas Hale is one of the experts in this space and his book Medications and Mother’s Milk is a fantastic reference guide on the safety of more than 900 medications. But as we know, information is always changing and more importantly moms are on the go more than ever before. So, I present to you two resources:
- InfantRisk Helpline: Opened in 2010 under the guidance of Dr. Hale and in cooperation with Texas Tech University, the helpline answer questions directly from moms and health care providers. The InfantRisk Center answers calls on the use and safety of drugs during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The helpline also offers help and resources for moms struggling with depression or chemical dependency. It is available Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm CST at (806)-352-2519.
- Mommy Meds: An awesome app that provides evidence based research from Dr. Hale and others and data from the United States Library of Medicine at your fingertips. The app gives information on drug safety for nursing moms, potential effects on lactation, as well as recommendations for possible alternative medications. The app is free for iPhone and Android users until December 1, so go, download, and take a deep breath knowing that all you need to know is in your pocket.
Be sure to talk with your Doctor or Pediatrician with any new medications or concerns. You can share the information from any of these resources with them to come to the decision that is best for you and your baby.
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