Hello Lacnetters,
I am a LC in several different settings (private ped's office, WIC office,
corporate lactation program for the county employees, and volunteer for
Nursing Mothers' Counsel).  This situation comes from the private ped's
office and I need the collective wisdom of  any of you who can help.
The mother is 31 years old, first pregnancy, due in October.  Currently is 32
weeks and on modified bedrest.  She has had Crohn's Disease for 12 years and
is currently in an active state of the disease.  She would like to breastfeed
her baby, but is wondering about all the meds she will need to take after
delivery.  To complicate the situation, she may need a bowel resection 2
weeks after delivery for abd. strictures.  She may also deliver prematurely.
 At this point the baby is doing well and growing appropriately.  Mom has
been on a clear liquid diet most of pregnancy, has gained 12  lbs. during the
pregnancy, has 12-17 stools per day.  She has normal lab work, has not had
fevers, has had a dehydration problem because she can't take enough liquids.
This is treated with IV fluids as needed.

Here is the list of medications she currently is taking:
Pentasa (mesalamine)    1000 mg 4 x/day
Levsin (hyoscyamine sulfate) 0.125 mg subl 2 tabs 4 x/day prn (has been
taking it 4 x/day)
Vicodin (hydrocodone bitartrate) 5/500  2 tabs q 4 hrs for pain
Soma (carisoprodol) 350 mg 3 x/day
prenatal vitamins

She has not been on Imuran (azathioprine) 100 mg per day.  May not go back on
it after delivery.

She may be started on Tebutaline in the next week.

With all these meds, can she safely breastfeed her baby?  What would the
concerns be for the baby?

Thank you  for your responses.
Anne Garrett, RN, MS, IBCLC
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