I had read something about this case. This is very sad and sounds like it 
could have been prevented. As LCs, I think it is important to address common 
medication issues. Therefore, I do address this in my discussions with 
mothers on my BF rounds in hospital.
I ask the mom what she is going home on, what meds. She usually says 
vitamins, sometimes iron, and usually pain med. I tell mom if she can take 
tylenol or ibuprofen (if not contraindicated for some other reason) that is 
preferable to the narcotic. If she takes the narcotic make sure she takes it 
as directed and not more or sooner than prescribed. If at all possible, take 
it immediately after a good feeding or pumping. I also say that usually the 
small amounts do not bother the baby but to report and discontinue if the 
baby is becoming too sleepy or difficult to arouse.
I also touch on meds that can affect milk supply like cold meds, pseudofed, 
and birth control options. Then also tell moms that there are many meds that 
can be taken while bf, like some antibiotics, blood pressure meds, 
antidepressants, etc. But that it must first be checked with the docs about 
its compatibility with bf and together they should work to find one 
compatible.
As an aside, there seem to be many smokers here in north Miss, but low 
alcohol use in women. In New Orleans, we had to talk about alcohol use 
frequently, drinking a daiquiri was popular or having a beer with seafood. I 
have a spiel about smoking cessation and ways to minimize risk to baby until 
mom quits.

<<<As the first-time mother nursed her son, he became very sleepy and
lethargic. Her doctor told her to wait to see what happened, Koren said,
adding most doctors don't know about the problem. By the 12th day, the boy 
had grey skin. He died at home the day after.>>>


Laurie Wheeler, IBCLC, MN, RN
Mississippi, s.e. USA

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