Hi Lactnetters...I need some help.
My neice had her 1st child on Sept. 1. Baby was nearly 37 weeks with
spontaneous vaginal delivery. Mom had a spell of preterm labor at 34
weeks, then was on bedrest. Mom had an epidural. Baby was 7lb 8oz at
birth, 7lb 1oz at discharge, and 8lb -8oz on 9-14-04. Baby has gained one
pound in 2 weeks. Baby's cord blood and urine test for Lyme was negative.
Baby has never been to the breast. Mom pumped the first week with a hand-
held battery-operated pump. Now mom says her milk is drying up. She can
pump about one ounce per breast. Mom is very discouraged, feels cheated, &
inadequate as a mother.
Mom has had Lymes disease since she was a very young teenager; she's now in
her early 20's. Three years ago she was about 70 pounds & bedfast...we
thought she was going to die. She's made an amazing recovery, but is not
symptom-free. Pregnancy masked many of her symptoms...as her hormones
return to the non-pregnant state the disease is making it's presence
known. Mom is in a lot of pain. Her adrenal glands are not functioning
properly.
Her Lyme physician told her she could not bf because the bacteria would be
transmitted to her baby. This physician also stated that the placenta
cannot transmit Lyme to the fetus. I told Mom to ask her physician for
references to support his statements.
I have sent mom an IBCLC contact for local support. Hi Jenny! If my neice
can bf, she's going to need instruction, support, and encouragement. Her
dh is sympathetic.
I searched Lactnet archives, but there was very little recent information.
The most recent reference is in the 2000 edition of The Red Book by the
AAP. "... there is no evidence Lyme Disease can be transmitted through
breastfeeding & continuing to breastfeed is not a risk. Mothers suspected
of having Lyme Disease need to be treated with the appropriate antibiotics,
most of which are compatible with breastfeeding."
I also found the 1999 reference Breastfeeding, A Guide for the Medical
Professional. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 1999: 563-616 by RM Lawrence. This
reference is cited by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and
Dentistry in a continuing education module for specialists in poison
information. It's found at:
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/urmc/aapcc/Lactation/discussion13.htm
Would someone with a current copy of the Lawrence book see if there is any
change in this information?
What does the current Breastfeeding Answer Book say about Lyme &
breastfeeding?
What does Dr. Hale's current Medication & Mothers Milk say about Lyme &
breastfeeding? I saw a quote that the older edition of Hale's says the
spirochete can be transmitted by the placenta & breastmilk, but it's safe
to breastfeed.
Are there any additional current references about breastfeeding with Lyme
disease?
Sincerely,
Nancy Carter, D.V.M., mom to 6 bf beauties, breastfeeding advocate
currently nursing 9 mo #6
Alabama, USA
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