>A CNM contacted me yesterday regarding a mother who is pumping for very
>sick premature 29 week gest. twins.  The mom has contacted lice from one
>of her older children and is wondering about using a product called RID
>for treatment.  Does anyone know if this product would be safe for this
>mother to use?


This mother really has my sympathy.  What a time for lice!

I don't know anything specific about the ability of this product to
enter breastmilk, but, of out precaution, I would avoid the use of
all commercial insecticides during lactation.

The good news is that there are many highly effective lice treatments
that do not require them.  Some are olive oil based, for example, and
others involve coconut oil.  Careful removal of nits with a good nit
comb is also highly effective.  Indeed, there is plenty of evidence
to suggest that these kinds of home remedies are now working better
and faster than pesticide applications to solve the problem because
the lice themselves have evolved genetic resistance to many of the
active ingrediants in the commercial preparations.

For specific advice, the mother should get in touch with the National
Pediculosis Association, which is headquartered in Newton, Mass.
(Pediculosis refers to lice and scabies.)  I've worked with this
group in the past and find them a highly credible source of
information.  The NPA is a clearinghouse of information  on safe,
alternative treatments for lice problems.  (As you can imagine, they
do a lot of consulting with school nurses.)  You can also purchase
high quality nit combs from them directly.

I'm nursing two sick kids today so can't search out their website for
you.  I'm sure they have one.  Here is the phone number that I have
in my roladex:  800-446-4672.  Debra Altschuler is the ex. director,
and is very nice and very knowledgeable.

Hope this helps.

Sandra


--
--

Sandra Steingraber, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Program on Breast Cancer and Environmental Risk Factors
110 Rice Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY  14853
[log in to unmask]
www.steingraber.com

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