Desperate--ulcerative Colitis Meds and Breastfeeding

I realize that this is heartbreaking for you. I suggest you call your GI doctor's office today and talk to a nurse or the doctor. Ask them, while you are not sedated, if there are any other medical options available that will not interfere with your breastfeeding. There may not be any medicines compatible with breastfeeding, so be prepared for that as well. As disappointing as this may be to you, you need to take care of your health. Untreated ulcerative colitis can lead to needed parts of your large intestine removed. This is a major life altering surgery. Your baby will be fine. This does not mean you are a failure. It does not mean you loved your other children more. It simply means a change of plans.

Honey--a word off advice for you--what's important here is THAT you feed your baby, not HOW you feed your baby.

Let go of the guilt, anxiety and disappointment.

Your baby needs a healthy, happy mommy.

Formula is not poison.

Do NOT take ANY doctors word on whether or not a med is safe for breastfeeding. Almost all of the time they will cover their asses and say it's not safe instead of looking it up and taking the time to explain the real risks/benefits.

A VERY useful resource is the National Institutes of Health's lact-med database. You can look it up yourself and print off the information for your doctors if you need too.

the link is http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT

Almost any La Leche League leader can look up meds too-- you can find one near you at http://www.llli.org/webus.html

And the lactation consultant at the hospital you delivered at should also be able to help....

Talk to your GI about trying to control it with diet. My sister has had UC for years but if I recall, when she was first diagnosed she was able to control it that way.

And more importantly, if you wind up needing meds, remember it is more important that you are there and healthy for your children than to be able to BF.

Good luck!

When I had colitis type symptoms, I took Asacol and Cholestyramine. The cholestyramine is usually for lowering cholesterol, but seemed to help with other things. I don't know if either one is compatible with breastfeeding. The drug info just says discuss the risks with your doctor.

My husband also has UC and he takes Asacol and my son who also has UC takes colozol. Not sure if those can be taken while breastfeeding but you can ask. Good luck

Maybe you can find a breast milk bank near you.

you need to speak to a pharmacist, that's gonna be your best option - since i'm married to one, i'll shoot him a quick email at work and see if he has time to offer any suggestions if there are any...

now, if there aren't any options - what you need to do is let go of the "shoulda, woulda, coulda"s and any guilt. what your baby NEEDS is a happy, healthy mommy - yes, breastmilk is "best", but sometimes that's just not to be, it's no reflection on you as a woman or a mother, it's just the way it is sometimes, your baby needs YOU, whole and healthy, and if you need those meds to be that way, so be it... i've been there, i had to quit nursing to dry my breasts up to have a tumor removed, the emotions are tough - take it easy on yourself :)

Asacol is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I have a friend who had terrible ulcerative colitis and, after 3 surgeries, was about to have a colostomy at age 30. The drugs made her worse, and she was choking down handfuls of pills which made her miserably. Her cousin also had colitis - family history. Cousin solved it with nutritional supplementation (not pills) and then told my friend about it - saved her colon and she is med free. If you would consider food as an option, let me know and I (and my friend) will help you!