If it's rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin is often used, unless the mom
can't take aspirin, then any non-steroidal anti inflamatory drug (NSAID)
will do.  Ibuprofen is the shortest half life NSAID, and is compatible
with breastfeeding according to the AAP.

If it's osteoarthritis, the treatment is just palliative.  There is a
NIH study of glucosamine and chondroitin going on right now (I'm on it),
called the GAIT study for Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention
Trial.

I wonder if the mom has a really severe case that her doc would want to
use methotrexate right away?
--
Catherine Watson Genna, IBCLC  New York City  mailto:[log in to unmask]

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