On September 11, 1997, Richard L. Gaumond <[log in to unmask]> asked about breastfeeding policies for moms who are recovered drug users. Here's the information I sent him. More recently, Annelies in the Netherlands asked for resources, too, so I'm sending the info to the list. Ira Chasnof, MD, at NAPARE, (800) 638-BABY, has developed a protocol for breastfeeding for women with a history of drug abuse. It is strict but looks very reasonable to me (a lactation consultant). Basically it calls for the mom to be treated during the pregnancy (if she's not already off the drugs) and to have "clean" urine at birth and afterwards. If she meets these criteria, she's encouraged to breastfeed. I don't recall what "NAPARE" stands for but it's something to do with parenting issues for people with drug histories. "800" numbers won't work outside the US, but here's NAPARE's address: 200 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601-3821. (If this address looks familiar, that's because NAPARE is housed at the same place that ILCA used for management until we changed to the present management firm.) Thanks to all who stand up for women who are battling the extra challenges of trying to be good moms in an unsupportive and judgemental environment. Remembering the powerful effect that being a lactating mom had on my psychosocial and spiritual development as a woman and a human, I sure would hate to see any woman denied the same opportunity for personal growth. Chris Mulford, LC at WIC in New Jersey, and breastfeeding advocate wherever I go.