I need some advice for a person who has given
permission to post. I read most of the posts in the
archives regarding this, but I believe more
knowledgeable medical opinions are necessary. I
obtained her name here, and she was needing a
breastfeeding friendly dr. to prescribe Fosamax, as 2
endocrinologists would not prescribe it. She believes
that the reason is the effect on the baby, though it
sounds safe according to Hale. I have a sister who is
a nurse practioner and able to prescribe, who lives in
her area so I contacted her. After hearing her
situation, I wanted to get more opinions. This is a 27
year old mom who had an eating disorder in most of
teens and into 20's. States that osteoporosis runs in
her family. Is also on prozac. No other medical
conditions.  Started having problems with osteo. after
this (1st) pregnancy shortly after baby was born. "I
suffered a vertebral fracture shortly after my baby
was born. I have shrunkk 1 1/2 inches so far from
collapsed vertebrae and my back is continuously weak.
I have pretty much recovered from the fracture which
almost had me bed ridden. I need to be on the
medication which helps to stop the breakdown of my
bones....I have been to 2 endocrinologists and neither
will let me take the med while breastfeeding. One said
that I needed to wean immediatlely and never
breastfeed another baby. My osteo. has been
characterized as severe and mine is worse than my 60
some year old grandmother who has it... I do not want
to take anything that will harm my baby. I have not
weaned her and constantly fear another fracture in my
spine. It is a daily struggle taking care of her
because of the weakness in my back.  I do not use
birth control and could become pregnant again at any
time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  My baby
is almost 12 months old and is healthy. Her delivery
was a little rough, but she is fine now".
All of the information that I have seen on
osteoarthritis and lactation seems to say that there
is a weakening during lactation, then a strengthening
afterwards and a protection later in life. I am
concerned about this mom for the present, sounds
crippling. Would fosamax be the answer? Would it help
that much? Should she wean? Any bone
specialists/breastfeeding knowledgeable drs out there?
Thank you.
Carol Dittbenner RNC, IBCLC
Roseville, MN



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