Breastfeeding and Antibiotics

Jeana · Mar 14, 2009

Well, breastfeeding is going very well for me. Although my CF doctor did scare me by saying that the only study done on CF breast milk showed that the milk was inadequate (although it was done about 40 years ago on one CF mom). I am giving my son Polyvisil (vitamin supplement), but he spits a lot of it back up. I guess it's really yucky! So my first question is if others were told by their docs that CF breast milk may be inadequate.

Next, I want to ask if any of you took antibiotics while breastfeeding or if you just pumped and dumped. My doc seems to think that the only drugs I can do now to treat MRSA and psuedomonas are IV drugs. (Colistin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, Tobramycin). Although, after searching online it appears that all of these drugs have a nebulizer form. Have any of you been on the nebulizer form of these drugs? Do they work well? I've only been on inhaled TOBI, and it causes me to cough severely and lose my voice, which is hard since I teach. It also caused incontinence, but after having incontinence for 3 years, I think I'm going to have the surgery this summer.

Anyway, my last question pertains to pumping for work. I have to go back to work in another 10 days when Alex is a month old. How many ounces will I need to pump?

Thanks for all the help! And here are some baby pics since Leah helped me figure out how to post them.

Jeana · Mar 14, 2009

Well, breastfeeding is going very well for me. Although my CF doctor did scare me by saying that the only study done on CF breast milk showed that the milk was inadequate (although it was done about 40 years ago on one CF mom). I am giving my son Polyvisil (vitamin supplement), but he spits a lot of it back up. I guess it's really yucky! So my first question is if others were told by their docs that CF breast milk may be inadequate.

Next, I want to ask if any of you took antibiotics while breastfeeding or if you just pumped and dumped. My doc seems to think that the only drugs I can do now to treat MRSA and psuedomonas are IV drugs. (Colistin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, Tobramycin). Although, after searching online it appears that all of these drugs have a nebulizer form. Have any of you been on the nebulizer form of these drugs? Do they work well? I've only been on inhaled TOBI, and it causes me to cough severely and lose my voice, which is hard since I teach. It also caused incontinence, but after having incontinence for 3 years, I think I'm going to have the surgery this summer.

Anyway, my last question pertains to pumping for work. I have to go back to work in another 10 days when Alex is a month old. How many ounces will I need to pump?

Thanks for all the help! And here are some baby pics since Leah helped me figure out how to post them.

Jeana · Mar 14, 2009

Well, breastfeeding is going very well for me. Although my CF doctor did scare me by saying that the only study done on CF breast milk showed that the milk was inadequate (although it was done about 40 years ago on one CF mom). I am giving my son Polyvisil (vitamin supplement), but he spits a lot of it back up. I guess it's really yucky! So my first question is if others were told by their docs that CF breast milk may be inadequate.

Next, I want to ask if any of you took antibiotics while breastfeeding or if you just pumped and dumped. My doc seems to think that the only drugs I can do now to treat MRSA and psuedomonas are IV drugs. (Colistin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, Tobramycin). Although, after searching online it appears that all of these drugs have a nebulizer form. Have any of you been on the nebulizer form of these drugs? Do they work well? I've only been on inhaled TOBI, and it causes me to cough severely and lose my voice, which is hard since I teach. It also caused incontinence, but after having incontinence for 3 years, I think I'm going to have the surgery this summer.

Anyway, my last question pertains to pumping for work. I have to go back to work in another 10 days when Alex is a month old. How many ounces will I need to pump?

Thanks for all the help! And here are some baby pics since Leah helped me figure out how to post them.

Jeana · Mar 14, 2009

Well, breastfeeding is going very well for me. Although my CF doctor did scare me by saying that the only study done on CF breast milk showed that the milk was inadequate (although it was done about 40 years ago on one CF mom). I am giving my son Polyvisil (vitamin supplement), but he spits a lot of it back up. I guess it's really yucky! So my first question is if others were told by their docs that CF breast milk may be inadequate.

Next, I want to ask if any of you took antibiotics while breastfeeding or if you just pumped and dumped. My doc seems to think that the only drugs I can do now to treat MRSA and psuedomonas are IV drugs. (Colistin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, Tobramycin). Although, after searching online it appears that all of these drugs have a nebulizer form. Have any of you been on the nebulizer form of these drugs? Do they work well? I've only been on inhaled TOBI, and it causes me to cough severely and lose my voice, which is hard since I teach. It also caused incontinence, but after having incontinence for 3 years, I think I'm going to have the surgery this summer.

Anyway, my last question pertains to pumping for work. I have to go back to work in another 10 days when Alex is a month old. How many ounces will I need to pump?

Thanks for all the help! And here are some baby pics since Leah helped me figure out how to post them.

Jeana · Mar 14, 2009

Well, breastfeeding is going very well for me. Although my CF doctor did scare me by saying that the only study done on CF breast milk showed that the milk was inadequate (although it was done about 40 years ago on one CF mom). I am giving my son Polyvisil (vitamin supplement), but he spits a lot of it back up. I guess it's really yucky! So my first question is if others were told by their docs that CF breast milk may be inadequate.
 
 Next, I want to ask if any of you took antibiotics while breastfeeding or if you just pumped and dumped. My doc seems to think that the only drugs I can do now to treat MRSA and psuedomonas are IV drugs. (Colistin, Ceftazidime, Vancomycin, Tobramycin). Although, after searching online it appears that all of these drugs have a nebulizer form. Have any of you been on the nebulizer form of these drugs? Do they work well? I've only been on inhaled TOBI, and it causes me to cough severely and lose my voice, which is hard since I teach. It also caused incontinence, but after having incontinence for 3 years, I think I'm going to have the surgery this summer.
 
 Anyway, my last question pertains to pumping for work. I have to go back to work in another 10 days when Alex is a month old. How many ounces will I need to pump?
 
 Thanks for all the help! And here are some baby pics since Leah helped me figure out how to post them.

MamaBear · Mar 14, 2009

Jeana,
What a cute little boy!

As far as nursing is concerned...My milk was definately adaquate! I never asked any doctors about it, so I don't know what they would have told me, but I would say I produced enough milk to feed triplets. And I think the quality of it was pretty good too. My son gained weight as he should, and that was that. That study sounds like it needs to be updated now that we have enzymes available to take.

I have been taking inhaled TOBI every other month since my son was born (and throughout the pregnancy). I have also taken Levimer orally, azithromyacin, and bactrim while nursing. I have not seen any negative side effects as a result. On a side note, I also lose my voice from TOBI and used to be a teacher too. It makes it impossible to do your job, so I feel for you! I also just discovered Hypertonic Saline for inhalation and I am really liking it. It doesn't make me horse, and losens everything up so I stay healthier longer between antibiotics.

MamaBear · Mar 14, 2009

Jeana,
What a cute little boy!

As far as nursing is concerned...My milk was definately adaquate! I never asked any doctors about it, so I don't know what they would have told me, but I would say I produced enough milk to feed triplets. And I think the quality of it was pretty good too. My son gained weight as he should, and that was that. That study sounds like it needs to be updated now that we have enzymes available to take.

I have been taking inhaled TOBI every other month since my son was born (and throughout the pregnancy). I have also taken Levimer orally, azithromyacin, and bactrim while nursing. I have not seen any negative side effects as a result. On a side note, I also lose my voice from TOBI and used to be a teacher too. It makes it impossible to do your job, so I feel for you! I also just discovered Hypertonic Saline for inhalation and I am really liking it. It doesn't make me horse, and losens everything up so I stay healthier longer between antibiotics.

MamaBear · Mar 14, 2009

Jeana,
What a cute little boy!

As far as nursing is concerned...My milk was definately adaquate! I never asked any doctors about it, so I don't know what they would have told me, but I would say I produced enough milk to feed triplets. And I think the quality of it was pretty good too. My son gained weight as he should, and that was that. That study sounds like it needs to be updated now that we have enzymes available to take.

I have been taking inhaled TOBI every other month since my son was born (and throughout the pregnancy). I have also taken Levimer orally, azithromyacin, and bactrim while nursing. I have not seen any negative side effects as a result. On a side note, I also lose my voice from TOBI and used to be a teacher too. It makes it impossible to do your job, so I feel for you! I also just discovered Hypertonic Saline for inhalation and I am really liking it. It doesn't make me horse, and losens everything up so I stay healthier longer between antibiotics.

MamaBear · Mar 14, 2009

Jeana,
What a cute little boy!

As far as nursing is concerned...My milk was definately adaquate! I never asked any doctors about it, so I don't know what they would have told me, but I would say I produced enough milk to feed triplets. And I think the quality of it was pretty good too. My son gained weight as he should, and that was that. That study sounds like it needs to be updated now that we have enzymes available to take.

I have been taking inhaled TOBI every other month since my son was born (and throughout the pregnancy). I have also taken Levimer orally, azithromyacin, and bactrim while nursing. I have not seen any negative side effects as a result. On a side note, I also lose my voice from TOBI and used to be a teacher too. It makes it impossible to do your job, so I feel for you! I also just discovered Hypertonic Saline for inhalation and I am really liking it. It doesn't make me horse, and losens everything up so I stay healthier longer between antibiotics.

MamaBear · Mar 14, 2009

Jeana,
 What a cute little boy!
 
 As far as nursing is concerned...My milk was definately adaquate! I never asked any doctors about it, so I don't know what they would have told me, but I would say I produced enough milk to feed triplets. And I think the quality of it was pretty good too. My son gained weight as he should, and that was that. That study sounds like it needs to be updated now that we have enzymes available to take.
 
 I have been taking inhaled TOBI every other month since my son was born (and throughout the pregnancy). I have also taken Levimer orally, azithromyacin, and bactrim while nursing. I have not seen any negative side effects as a result. On a side note, I also lose my voice from TOBI and used to be a teacher too. It makes it impossible to do your job, so I feel for you! I also just discovered Hypertonic Saline for inhalation and I am really liking it. It doesn't make me horse, and losens everything up so I stay healthier longer between antibiotics.

mamaScarlett · Mar 15, 2009

that study on breastmilk as a banket statement is completely not true. i remember my doc referencing it saying it was out of date and i believe there are updated studies now.
if baby is ok-you are ok
i went to a lactation center in chatham, nj and had my milk tested. it was no different than any other womans milk. every doc i talked to told me my milk would be normal.
pumping and dumping is rarely necessary. many docs will tell you it is for alot of meds simply bc few studies have been done on bf and drugs-so to be safe the docs say to pump and dump. but there is info out there. actually there are some iv drugs that are even safer than inhaled ones for breast milk.
there is a whole reference book on bf drug interaction-i can't remember it off the top of my head if i do i'll post it, but i'm sure someone will post it. its very well known.

i will say, there was a month where i had to go on tobi and i opted to pump and dump about 1/2 my milk. according to LLL and my lactation center that was unecessary but i did it anyway. i know moms that were on tobi while preg, as well as while bf but again this was my personal choice.

the website kellymom was incredible for me. it has info about every drug and its involvment with bf. theres info about cf too.

my doc said i probably wouldn't be able to bf bc of tons of reasons-first i set the goal of doing it just a month, then 3, then 6-and i did it for a year!
it took planning but it worked out great. if i knew i would be needing drugs that i didn't want to bf with, i'd pump extra every day and freeze it so i'd have it for later. or i'd do 50/50 bf and formula when baby was older. i did exclusive bf till she was 3 months though.
bf and drugs is a whole world in itself-check out kellymom. there's tons of info there. i think i visited it daily for bf tips.
beautiful little boy btw-gorgeous!

mamaScarlett · Mar 15, 2009

that study on breastmilk as a banket statement is completely not true. i remember my doc referencing it saying it was out of date and i believe there are updated studies now.
if baby is ok-you are ok
i went to a lactation center in chatham, nj and had my milk tested. it was no different than any other womans milk. every doc i talked to told me my milk would be normal.
pumping and dumping is rarely necessary. many docs will tell you it is for alot of meds simply bc few studies have been done on bf and drugs-so to be safe the docs say to pump and dump. but there is info out there. actually there are some iv drugs that are even safer than inhaled ones for breast milk.
there is a whole reference book on bf drug interaction-i can't remember it off the top of my head if i do i'll post it, but i'm sure someone will post it. its very well known.

i will say, there was a month where i had to go on tobi and i opted to pump and dump about 1/2 my milk. according to LLL and my lactation center that was unecessary but i did it anyway. i know moms that were on tobi while preg, as well as while bf but again this was my personal choice.

the website kellymom was incredible for me. it has info about every drug and its involvment with bf. theres info about cf too.

my doc said i probably wouldn't be able to bf bc of tons of reasons-first i set the goal of doing it just a month, then 3, then 6-and i did it for a year!
it took planning but it worked out great. if i knew i would be needing drugs that i didn't want to bf with, i'd pump extra every day and freeze it so i'd have it for later. or i'd do 50/50 bf and formula when baby was older. i did exclusive bf till she was 3 months though.
bf and drugs is a whole world in itself-check out kellymom. there's tons of info there. i think i visited it daily for bf tips.
beautiful little boy btw-gorgeous!

mamaScarlett · Mar 15, 2009

that study on breastmilk as a banket statement is completely not true. i remember my doc referencing it saying it was out of date and i believe there are updated studies now.
if baby is ok-you are ok
i went to a lactation center in chatham, nj and had my milk tested. it was no different than any other womans milk. every doc i talked to told me my milk would be normal.
pumping and dumping is rarely necessary. many docs will tell you it is for alot of meds simply bc few studies have been done on bf and drugs-so to be safe the docs say to pump and dump. but there is info out there. actually there are some iv drugs that are even safer than inhaled ones for breast milk.
there is a whole reference book on bf drug interaction-i can't remember it off the top of my head if i do i'll post it, but i'm sure someone will post it. its very well known.

i will say, there was a month where i had to go on tobi and i opted to pump and dump about 1/2 my milk. according to LLL and my lactation center that was unecessary but i did it anyway. i know moms that were on tobi while preg, as well as while bf but again this was my personal choice.

the website kellymom was incredible for me. it has info about every drug and its involvment with bf. theres info about cf too.

my doc said i probably wouldn't be able to bf bc of tons of reasons-first i set the goal of doing it just a month, then 3, then 6-and i did it for a year!
it took planning but it worked out great. if i knew i would be needing drugs that i didn't want to bf with, i'd pump extra every day and freeze it so i'd have it for later. or i'd do 50/50 bf and formula when baby was older. i did exclusive bf till she was 3 months though.
bf and drugs is a whole world in itself-check out kellymom. there's tons of info there. i think i visited it daily for bf tips.
beautiful little boy btw-gorgeous!

mamaScarlett · Mar 15, 2009

that study on breastmilk as a banket statement is completely not true. i remember my doc referencing it saying it was out of date and i believe there are updated studies now.
if baby is ok-you are ok
i went to a lactation center in chatham, nj and had my milk tested. it was no different than any other womans milk. every doc i talked to told me my milk would be normal.
pumping and dumping is rarely necessary. many docs will tell you it is for alot of meds simply bc few studies have been done on bf and drugs-so to be safe the docs say to pump and dump. but there is info out there. actually there are some iv drugs that are even safer than inhaled ones for breast milk.
there is a whole reference book on bf drug interaction-i can't remember it off the top of my head if i do i'll post it, but i'm sure someone will post it. its very well known.

i will say, there was a month where i had to go on tobi and i opted to pump and dump about 1/2 my milk. according to LLL and my lactation center that was unecessary but i did it anyway. i know moms that were on tobi while preg, as well as while bf but again this was my personal choice.

the website kellymom was incredible for me. it has info about every drug and its involvment with bf. theres info about cf too.

my doc said i probably wouldn't be able to bf bc of tons of reasons-first i set the goal of doing it just a month, then 3, then 6-and i did it for a year!
it took planning but it worked out great. if i knew i would be needing drugs that i didn't want to bf with, i'd pump extra every day and freeze it so i'd have it for later. or i'd do 50/50 bf and formula when baby was older. i did exclusive bf till she was 3 months though.
bf and drugs is a whole world in itself-check out kellymom. there's tons of info there. i think i visited it daily for bf tips.
beautiful little boy btw-gorgeous!

mamaScarlett · Mar 15, 2009

that study on breastmilk as a banket statement is completely not true. i remember my doc referencing it saying it was out of date and i believe there are updated studies now.
 if baby is ok-you are ok
 i went to a lactation center in chatham, nj and had my milk tested. it was no different than any other womans milk. every doc i talked to told me my milk would be normal.
 pumping and dumping is rarely necessary. many docs will tell you it is for alot of meds simply bc few studies have been done on bf and drugs-so to be safe the docs say to pump and dump. but there is info out there. actually there are some iv drugs that are even safer than inhaled ones for breast milk.
 there is a whole reference book on bf drug interaction-i can't remember it off the top of my head if i do i'll post it, but i'm sure someone will post it. its very well known.
 
 i will say, there was a month where i had to go on tobi and i opted to pump and dump about 1/2 my milk. according to LLL and my lactation center that was unecessary but i did it anyway. i know moms that were on tobi while preg, as well as while bf but again this was my personal choice.
 
 the website kellymom was incredible for me. it has info about every drug and its involvment with bf. theres info about cf too.
 
 my doc said i probably wouldn't be able to bf bc of tons of reasons-first i set the goal of doing it just a month, then 3, then 6-and i did it for a year!
 it took planning but it worked out great. if i knew i would be needing drugs that i didn't want to bf with, i'd pump extra every day and freeze it so i'd have it for later. or i'd do 50/50 bf and formula when baby was older. i did exclusive bf till she was 3 months though.
 bf and drugs is a whole world in itself-check out kellymom. there's tons of info there. i think i visited it daily for bf tips.
 beautiful little boy btw-gorgeous!

Keepercjr · Mar 17, 2009

First - CONGRATS!. I hardly post on here anymore but I do read occasionally. I have been nursing now for 4 years straight - your milk is FINE! Even if it were of slightly less quality than a "healthy" mom it would still be better than formula for your baby.

PLEASE go to Dr Hale's website (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest)-">http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi...=topics&access=guest)-</a> he is a pharmacologist who is the leading expert on medications and breastfeeding. I would trust his opinion over anyone else, especially my CF doctors who aren't trained in breastfeeding AT ALL. Just about every drug used for CF is breastfeeding friendly. On Dr. Hale's forum you can look up drugs by clicking on the little magnifying glass icon and then read what he says about it. For example, tobramycin (no matter how you take it, whether IV or inhaled) is not absorbed by the gut. So even if your milk was full of tobramycin your baby wouldn't absorb any of it. That is why we don't have an oral pill for tobra. He covers every medication I could think of. All the regular ones I take (Tobi, advair, spiriva, zithro, etc) were all safe for breastfeeding.

If your doc suggests a med that you find isn't safe, rather than pumping and dumping or quitting all together, demand that they offer you an alternative if available. Many (if not most) doctors don't realize that breastfeeing isn't JUST about feeding a baby. They think that you can just stop and give formula and continue on. But for many of us breastfeeding mothers that just isn't the case. Breastfeeding is so much more...

Breastfeeding is a passion of mine and you can do it! If you ever want some advice or have any questions feel free to PM me.

As for pumping, pump as often as often as he nurses. Ie if he nurses every 2 hours then that is how often you need to pump (well pump as often as you can since I remember you are a teacher). As to build up a supply you need to start ASAP if you haven't already done so. Pump after every feeding during the day. You should be able to have enough after this week for a few days of daytime feedings while you are gone. There is no set amount of ounces he should take, every baby is different. And he could be one of the ones who "reverse cycles" where he doesn't take much while you are gone and nurses more in the evening and during the night. If you have baby in bed with you you won't lose sleep nursing at night.

I'm surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) to hear CF docs being so negative about breastfeeding. Mine never said anything but maybe that was because I just did it and didn't consult them. They know I'm nursing and ask how it is going but that is about it.

Please take it easy. returning to work after only a month might wear on your health. Oh and I second the kellymom link - very helpful info!

Keepercjr · Mar 17, 2009

First - CONGRATS!. I hardly post on here anymore but I do read occasionally. I have been nursing now for 4 years straight - your milk is FINE! Even if it were of slightly less quality than a "healthy" mom it would still be better than formula for your baby.

PLEASE go to Dr Hale's website (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest)-">http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi...=topics&access=guest)-</a> he is a pharmacologist who is the leading expert on medications and breastfeeding. I would trust his opinion over anyone else, especially my CF doctors who aren't trained in breastfeeding AT ALL. Just about every drug used for CF is breastfeeding friendly. On Dr. Hale's forum you can look up drugs by clicking on the little magnifying glass icon and then read what he says about it. For example, tobramycin (no matter how you take it, whether IV or inhaled) is not absorbed by the gut. So even if your milk was full of tobramycin your baby wouldn't absorb any of it. That is why we don't have an oral pill for tobra. He covers every medication I could think of. All the regular ones I take (Tobi, advair, spiriva, zithro, etc) were all safe for breastfeeding.

If your doc suggests a med that you find isn't safe, rather than pumping and dumping or quitting all together, demand that they offer you an alternative if available. Many (if not most) doctors don't realize that breastfeeing isn't JUST about feeding a baby. They think that you can just stop and give formula and continue on. But for many of us breastfeeding mothers that just isn't the case. Breastfeeding is so much more...

Breastfeeding is a passion of mine and you can do it! If you ever want some advice or have any questions feel free to PM me.

As for pumping, pump as often as often as he nurses. Ie if he nurses every 2 hours then that is how often you need to pump (well pump as often as you can since I remember you are a teacher). As to build up a supply you need to start ASAP if you haven't already done so. Pump after every feeding during the day. You should be able to have enough after this week for a few days of daytime feedings while you are gone. There is no set amount of ounces he should take, every baby is different. And he could be one of the ones who "reverse cycles" where he doesn't take much while you are gone and nurses more in the evening and during the night. If you have baby in bed with you you won't lose sleep nursing at night.

I'm surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) to hear CF docs being so negative about breastfeeding. Mine never said anything but maybe that was because I just did it and didn't consult them. They know I'm nursing and ask how it is going but that is about it.

Please take it easy. returning to work after only a month might wear on your health. Oh and I second the kellymom link - very helpful info!

Keepercjr · Mar 17, 2009

First - CONGRATS!. I hardly post on here anymore but I do read occasionally. I have been nursing now for 4 years straight - your milk is FINE! Even if it were of slightly less quality than a "healthy" mom it would still be better than formula for your baby.

PLEASE go to Dr Hale's website (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest)-">http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi...=topics&access=guest)-</a> he is a pharmacologist who is the leading expert on medications and breastfeeding. I would trust his opinion over anyone else, especially my CF doctors who aren't trained in breastfeeding AT ALL. Just about every drug used for CF is breastfeeding friendly. On Dr. Hale's forum you can look up drugs by clicking on the little magnifying glass icon and then read what he says about it. For example, tobramycin (no matter how you take it, whether IV or inhaled) is not absorbed by the gut. So even if your milk was full of tobramycin your baby wouldn't absorb any of it. That is why we don't have an oral pill for tobra. He covers every medication I could think of. All the regular ones I take (Tobi, advair, spiriva, zithro, etc) were all safe for breastfeeding.

If your doc suggests a med that you find isn't safe, rather than pumping and dumping or quitting all together, demand that they offer you an alternative if available. Many (if not most) doctors don't realize that breastfeeing isn't JUST about feeding a baby. They think that you can just stop and give formula and continue on. But for many of us breastfeeding mothers that just isn't the case. Breastfeeding is so much more...

Breastfeeding is a passion of mine and you can do it! If you ever want some advice or have any questions feel free to PM me.

As for pumping, pump as often as often as he nurses. Ie if he nurses every 2 hours then that is how often you need to pump (well pump as often as you can since I remember you are a teacher). As to build up a supply you need to start ASAP if you haven't already done so. Pump after every feeding during the day. You should be able to have enough after this week for a few days of daytime feedings while you are gone. There is no set amount of ounces he should take, every baby is different. And he could be one of the ones who "reverse cycles" where he doesn't take much while you are gone and nurses more in the evening and during the night. If you have baby in bed with you you won't lose sleep nursing at night.

I'm surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) to hear CF docs being so negative about breastfeeding. Mine never said anything but maybe that was because I just did it and didn't consult them. They know I'm nursing and ask how it is going but that is about it.

Please take it easy. returning to work after only a month might wear on your health. Oh and I second the kellymom link - very helpful info!

Keepercjr · Mar 17, 2009

First - CONGRATS!. I hardly post on here anymore but I do read occasionally. I have been nursing now for 4 years straight - your milk is FINE! Even if it were of slightly less quality than a "healthy" mom it would still be better than formula for your baby.

PLEASE go to Dr Hale's website (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest)-">http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi...=topics&access=guest)-</a> he is a pharmacologist who is the leading expert on medications and breastfeeding. I would trust his opinion over anyone else, especially my CF doctors who aren't trained in breastfeeding AT ALL. Just about every drug used for CF is breastfeeding friendly. On Dr. Hale's forum you can look up drugs by clicking on the little magnifying glass icon and then read what he says about it. For example, tobramycin (no matter how you take it, whether IV or inhaled) is not absorbed by the gut. So even if your milk was full of tobramycin your baby wouldn't absorb any of it. That is why we don't have an oral pill for tobra. He covers every medication I could think of. All the regular ones I take (Tobi, advair, spiriva, zithro, etc) were all safe for breastfeeding.

If your doc suggests a med that you find isn't safe, rather than pumping and dumping or quitting all together, demand that they offer you an alternative if available. Many (if not most) doctors don't realize that breastfeeing isn't JUST about feeding a baby. They think that you can just stop and give formula and continue on. But for many of us breastfeeding mothers that just isn't the case. Breastfeeding is so much more...

Breastfeeding is a passion of mine and you can do it! If you ever want some advice or have any questions feel free to PM me.

As for pumping, pump as often as often as he nurses. Ie if he nurses every 2 hours then that is how often you need to pump (well pump as often as you can since I remember you are a teacher). As to build up a supply you need to start ASAP if you haven't already done so. Pump after every feeding during the day. You should be able to have enough after this week for a few days of daytime feedings while you are gone. There is no set amount of ounces he should take, every baby is different. And he could be one of the ones who "reverse cycles" where he doesn't take much while you are gone and nurses more in the evening and during the night. If you have baby in bed with you you won't lose sleep nursing at night.

I'm surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) to hear CF docs being so negative about breastfeeding. Mine never said anything but maybe that was because I just did it and didn't consult them. They know I'm nursing and ask how it is going but that is about it.

Please take it easy. returning to work after only a month might wear on your health. Oh and I second the kellymom link - very helpful info!

Keepercjr · Mar 17, 2009

First - CONGRATS!. I hardly post on here anymore but I do read occasionally. I have been nursing now for 4 years straight - your milk is FINE! Even if it were of slightly less quality than a "healthy" mom it would still be better than formula for your baby.
 
 PLEASE go to Dr Hale's website (<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi?pg=topics&access=guest)-">http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/cgi...=topics&access=guest)-</a> he is a pharmacologist who is the leading expert on medications and breastfeeding. I would trust his opinion over anyone else, especially my CF doctors who aren't trained in breastfeeding AT ALL. Just about every drug used for CF is breastfeeding friendly. On Dr. Hale's forum you can look up drugs by clicking on the little magnifying glass icon and then read what he says about it. For example, tobramycin (no matter how you take it, whether IV or inhaled) is not absorbed by the gut. So even if your milk was full of tobramycin your baby wouldn't absorb any of it. That is why we don't have an oral pill for tobra. He covers every medication I could think of. All the regular ones I take (Tobi, advair, spiriva, zithro, etc) were all safe for breastfeeding.
 
 If your doc suggests a med that you find isn't safe, rather than pumping and dumping or quitting all together, demand that they offer you an alternative if available. Many (if not most) doctors don't realize that breastfeeing isn't JUST about feeding a baby. They think that you can just stop and give formula and continue on. But for many of us breastfeeding mothers that just isn't the case. Breastfeeding is so much more...
 
 Breastfeeding is a passion of mine and you can do it! If you ever want some advice or have any questions feel free to PM me.
 
 As for pumping, pump as often as often as he nurses. Ie if he nurses every 2 hours then that is how often you need to pump (well pump as often as you can since I remember you are a teacher). As to build up a supply you need to start ASAP if you haven't already done so. Pump after every feeding during the day. You should be able to have enough after this week for a few days of daytime feedings while you are gone. There is no set amount of ounces he should take, every baby is different. And he could be one of the ones who "reverse cycles" where he doesn't take much while you are gone and nurses more in the evening and during the night. If you have baby in bed with you you won't lose sleep nursing at night.
 
 I'm surprised (maybe I shouldn't be) to hear CF docs being so negative about breastfeeding. Mine never said anything but maybe that was because I just did it and didn't consult them. They know I'm nursing and ask how it is going but that is about it.
 
 Please take it easy. returning to work after only a month might wear on your health. Oh and I second the kellymom link - very helpful info!

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