Frank, I couldn’t agree with you more. I would never condone a breastfeeding mother taking these drugs, I hope that it did not come across that way. There is information missing in the original post, and that is why I asked if her baby would be with her during this time (I am hoping that the baby will not be, as I mentioned it could be unsafe). Like you said, it is her choice to expose herself to the potential consequences, and it is our job to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Having her express her milk during this time (and discard it) will preserve her milk supply and allow her to return back to her previous exclusive pumping routine, which is what is best for the baby. I also asked how many days she planned on using the drugs because that could affect her milk supply if she does not express her milk frequently. I was hoping to shed light on the anecdotal reality on this particular situation because I have experience with client base and throughout growing up. We know that drugs can lead to poor decision making, which will affect her milk supply. This is a tricky situation. There are quite a few indigenous cultures that use psychedelics as medicine for spiritual and mental health and certain religions are allowed to consume it legally in the United States, and of course worldwide. I have no idea what her background is, it wasn’t mentioned. That being said, painting a clear picture for this young mother with anecdotal, and evidence-based information will hopefully provide her with the tools that she needs to make informed decisions for her and her baby. I respect your opinion, Frank. I have seen many of your posts and you provide really insightful information! If Anne’s client was your client, besides giving her Medications and Mother’s Milk and a pumping schedule to save up expressed breastmilk for the baby, what else would you recommend? I think your suggestions would be really valuable, especially because there is a lack of statistical information. I think that her client is pretty open minded to good suggestions and wants to continue providing her baby breastmilk, responsibly and safely. I say that because she is 23 years old and came to her lactation consultant to openly discuss using medicinal/recreational drugs. I don't know of many young mothers who would do that. Kindly, Shaland Verdi, IBCLC On Mon, Apr 2, 2018 at 9:25 PM, Frank J. Nice <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > "Medicinal" purposes: for whose benefit and for what benefit??? > > OK; I can no longer hold it in. > > As a healthcare professional, I would not and could not ever condone a > breastfeeding mother ever taking these recreational drugs. If a mom wants > to expose herself to the potential consequences of using them, that is her > choice. In this case, the breastfeeding child has no choice. > > Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): LSD is a hallucinogen manufactured from > lysergic acid, which is found in ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and > other grains. Health effects include rapid emotional swings; distortion of > the ability to recognize reality, think rationally, or communicate with > others; hypertension; increased heart rate; increased body temperature; > dizziness; insomnia; loss of appetite; dry mouth; sweating; numbness; > weakness; tremors; enlarged pupils; frightening flashbacks (sudden vivid > memory); ongoing visual disturbances; disorganized thinking; paranoia; and > mood swings. In combination with alcohol, there may be a decreased > perception of the effects of alcohol. In combination with alcohol, there is > an increased risk of coma. > > Psilocybin: Psilocybin is a hallucinogen from certain types of mushrooms > from South America, Mexico, and the United States. Health side effects > include hallucinations, altered perceptions of time, inability to tell > fantasy from reality, panic, muscle relaxation or weakness, movement > problems, enlarged pupils, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, risks of > flashbacks, memory problems, and poisoning and death if poisonous mushrooms > are accidentally used. Using alcohol also may decrease the perceived > effects of the alcohol. > > > > Frank J. Nice, RPh, DPA, CPHP > > > > *********************************************** > > Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html > To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] > Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] > COMMANDS: > 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: > set lactnet nomail > 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail > 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet > 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome > *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome