It was right that the mother breastfeed while on warfarin.  I am not
sure why Hale says use with caution when everything else he says makes
it sound as if it is no problem.  The studies cited show *no*
detectable blood levels in the baby.

I cannot believe, in fact, that in this day and age someone will tell
a mother not to breastfeed because of warfarin.

By the way, if there is ever the need to convince a reluctant
physician, the baby can be given extra vitamin K.  This would negate
any effect of the warfarin on the baby (if there were an effect, which
there isn't).  How much vitamin K?  Since the baby does not need any
(except at birth), I have told physicians in this case .5 mg once
monthly by mouth.  This seemed to make everyone happy.

Finally, the physician can only advise, not command.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC