Lisa:  I can't comment much on glucophage(metformin), since it is only
newly released.  Its older relative, phenformin, was withdrawn from the
market, I believe due to lactic acidosis.  I remember reading that
glucophage can also cause this side effect, but much more rarely.  I
would ask whether the mother really needs this, or any, medication for
her NIDDM.  In many cases, diet, exercise and weight loss are enough to
control the diabetes.  Also, as I have read, breastfeeding helps with
glucose control.  This child is 4 years old and breastfeeding 4x's a day,
so possibly that does not help with mother's glucose as much.  If the
mother truly needs a medication because her diabetes cannot be controlled
with diet, weight loss and exercise alone, perhaps an older drug such as
orinase(tolbutamide), which is on the AAP compatible list, might be
tried.  If she was really committed to the breastfeeding and the above
suggestions were not feasible, she might try insulin for the  period of
continued nursing.  Hope this helps.  Alicia.  [log in to unmask]