In a message dated 6/11/2004 7:34:36 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
"Universal breastfeeding is not recommended in the United States. Women who
use illicit drugs, who have active, untreated tuberculosis, or who test
positive for HIV, as well as those who use certain prescribed drugs, should not
breastfeed."
Dear Friends:
    This is the state of breastfeeding in the USA today. There are some (not
many) prescription drugs that are contraindicated. (See Hale and the AAP drug
list for specifics.) Being HIV+,  using IV drugs, and a partner that is HIV+
are also contraindications. It takes a while for TB treatment to be taken
before a mother can resume breastfeeding. Also having HTLV-1 is a contraindication.
    I am glad to see more research from Coutsoudis; however, in the States,
this has not been integrated into public policy....I hope it is.
    Women have lost custody of their babies by breastfeeding when HIV+ or
refusing to give the baby AZT. Departments of Social Services and physicians can
be very authoritarian in some places; women have been forced to have cesarean
sections as well when court orders have been obtained.
    warmly,
Nikki Lee RN, MS, Mother of 2, IBCLC, CCE, CIMI
Maternal-Child Adjunct Faculty Union Institute and University
Film Reviews Editor, Journal of Human Lactation
Support the WHO Code and the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative

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