Thanks to all who have sent information regarding MS and breastfeeding.
Mom and I greatly appreciate it. In fact, both mom and her husband are
THRILLED with the information we have come up with thus far.

Now, an update: Mom called this AM to let me know that the Copaxone will
arrive at our military pharmacy on Friday. I have already provided both
the pharmacist and the pediatricians with Dr Hale's information about
molecular structure but have not heard back from them as yet. At the time
I gave the info to the pharmacist he indicated he was going to do some
further checking before mom started the medication.

I encouraged mom to contact the pediatricians to discuss the information
and get their feeling on the subject. I also suggested that she make it
clear to HER doctor that doing bottles is harder for her. She said that
she did that after her first relapse and course of steroid therapy. He
acknowledged that but was still not supportive of her continuing
breast feeding.

Through the course of conversation I reminded her that ultimately the
decision about how to handle this situation was up to her and her
husband. I also made sure that she understood that I could not
"prescribe" a course of action but could only provide her with
information to consider in making her decision.

Mom has said that she sees us as "pioneers" with these doctors and hopes
that our work will make it easier for mothers that encounter these
particular doctors in the future. At least, they may look harder at their
choices of medications when dealing with a breast feeding couple.

Catherine Tapey, IBCLC
Anchorage, AK
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