In a message dated 12/10/98 12:20:41 PM Central Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << I am due with my first child in April and want to be heavily armed with info on Medications should I be "advised" to wean, or pump and dump if given a prescription for "ANYTHING"!!! >> You know, it is very easy to criticize health care providers who advise a breastfeeding mom to "pump & dump" when they prescribe a medication for her; however, I believe that many times their motives are honestly altruistic in that they don't want to do anything to harm the infant. In a twisted sort of way, I empathize with and even condone their recommendations, although it might be due to ignorance, because they are supporting something dear to my heart - "first do no harm." On the other hand, I am just as critical of those health care providers who simply discard any thought or concern about medications/herbs that the mother may consume and scoff at the idea of any harm or threat to the infant. Such a cavalier attitude is equally disdainful and possibly dangerous. As you well know, most medicines/herbs have not been carefully studied to see what, if any, effect they may have in a nursing mother and her infant. Afterall, who is going to volunteer their baby as a guinea pig, eh? Infants are not little adults! Just because a medicine/herb is "safe" in a 21 year old female does not mean we can automatically conclude that it "must" be safe in a 21 day old regardless of the amount in the breast milk. One must tread cautiously here! I criticize the "lazy" doctor who will not make the effort nor take the time to find out if a prescription medicine is "acceptable" for a breastfeeding mom or prescribe an alternative "safe" medicine and simply tells the mom to quit breastfeeding/wean/dump. But, I will also criticize the zealous provider who whimsically dismisses any cause for concern based on incorrect and/or incomplete knowledge about a medicine/herb. Both are wrong! We must make thoughtful and knowledgeable decisions/recommendations based on accurate scientific information. IMHO Andrew MD FAAP [log in to unmask]