regarding the use of st. john's wort in pregnancy and lactation.
i agree if the woman is very depressed, on the verge of a nervous breakdown
or post partum psychosis get medical intervention immediately.

the latest studies show that SJW seems to act more as a serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI)than an MAO inhibitor. this would also mske it
contraindicatied if the mom is already takin an MAO as severe blood pressure
reactions could occur.  Though I have not seen of any reported in the
literature.
The usual herbal preparation is O.3% hypericum 300 mg. 3 times daily.
indications for internal use are for mild to moderate anxiety, depressed
moods.  Topicaly oily preparationsa are used for blunt injuries, skin
inflammations, Wounds and burns and myalgia. the dosage takes approximtely
2-3 weeks to start working.  No known helat  hazards are known in
conjunction with proper administration of dosages. It seems to have no
estrogenic compounds so soes not interfere by causing uterine contractions.
High tannin content may cause some digestive disturbance you can cut back or
discontinue. Photosensitivity is  a known side effect in animals as well as
humans with large doses of the herb starting at about 3g per Kg body weight.
150 g for a person weighing 50kg. ( Herbal PDR)

Homeopathically it is used by midwives for ladies in labor with sever back
pain sciatic pain or other nerv pains it is also very calming.  ther are no
know n reported side effects on mom or babe  used homeopathically.

I have had several paitients pregnant and or lactating that with their HCP
decided on SJW as an alternative for prozac or other medications.  For them
it worked well. The babies showed not ill effects and there were only 2
complaints from those clients one had a bout of diarrhea- she took too much,
cut back on dose and was fine.  One wondered why so many capsules. One non
pregnant- non lactating client had some sunburn, but she had not used
sunscreen or hat outside on a very hot day.  I did measure the outputs of
milk in the lactating moms informally  none reported a drop in milk supply,
but none reported a decrease otherwise.

As with any medications good information to the HCP and working together we
can make breastfeeding more successful for the individual.
Mechell Turner, M.Ed. IBCLC, CCE


-----Original Message-----
From: Automatic digest processor <[log in to unmask]>
To: Recipients of LACTNET digests <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Friday, August 06, 1999 8:12 AM
Subject: LACTNET Digest - 5 Aug 1999 to 6 Aug 1999 - Special issue
(#1999-38)

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