I received a call from a mother who has just adopted a baby (now one
week old).  She was referred to me because she was considering inducing
lactation.  She had little warning of the baby's arrival and therefore
had no chance to work on bringing in a milk supply.  She would like to,
however, offer the breast for comfort while she decides if she wants to
take on the challenges of an supplemental system and pumping.

She is concerned about a medication she is taking for Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome.  I know the baby will be getting virtually nothing from the
breast to begin with, let alone any of this medication, but she was
adamant about getting some information before putting the baby to the
breast.

The medication is kutapressin, which is injected about once a week.  She
said it was a liver extract, possibly pork based (?).  Her local
pharmacist had initially never heard of it and once he tracked it down,
could special order it for her.  I suggested she contact him and
meanwhile I would see what else I could come up with.  I've checked the
usual, 97 Hale, Briggs and even the USPDI which doesn't list it.  She
has been taking this for 2-3 years except when she was undergoing
infertility treatments when she was told to be off this stuff for 2-3
months prior to beginning treatment.

Thanks,
Kathy

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Kathy Koch, BSEd, IBCLC
Mom to Andrew, Abigail and Molly
LLL Leader, AAPL/OL for VA and MD/DE/DC
[log in to unmask]          Great Mills, MD, USA

"Within the child lies the fate of the future."   Maria Montessori
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