Karen and all

I am a chronic asthmatic breastfeeding pediatrician- now that's a mouthful.

I had to use fluorinated steroids (nasal and MDI), albuterol MDI,intal and
lufyllin (a theophylline like drug) during my pregnancy.  My pulmonologist
and OB agreed that if I didn't breathe the baby would not either.  Inhaled
meds are generally safe although there has been limited clinical experience
with Serevent.  I was pulled off the serevent.

Theophyllines are also safe to use in lactation. Theophylline is one of the
meds used in infants with neonatal apnea.  The drawback is the GE reflux and
irritability noted in both mom and baby.  I weaned off the theophylline as my
asthma stabilized after delivery. So I am just on my maintenance inhaled
meds.

A great resource is the Pharmacology department at UC San Diego--They have
done extensive literature search on drugs in pregnancy and lactation.

I am highly motivated to breastfeed for at least the first year of my child's
life as I would like to reduce his risk of developing asthma, allergies and
eczema which is on both sides of the families.  Incidently one of my
childhood friends- a chronic asthmatic anesthesiologist has just delivered
and is breastfeeding her infant.  My OB is a proponent of breastfeeding ( his
wife is a pediatrician who is breastfeeding her second child).  Within my
cohort of physicians there are a lot of breastfeeding families.  Just thought
you inquiring minds might like to know:)!

Breast Milk Rules!

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD,FAAP
Modesto CA