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epilepsy meds and breastfeeding
Thu, 04/22/2004 - 17:48Comments
Re: epilepsy meds and breastfeeding
Submitted by ndbutler on Mon, 2008-03-17 - 00:41
JME diagnosed '98
100 mg Lamictal 2/day b/f pregnancy; 300 mg 2/day after birth (dosage increase based on blood levels only)
I, too, had a virtually non existent milk supply. A week after my baby's birth I saw a lacatation consultant because of what I thought was latching issues. I found out I was producing in each feeding just 8ml -- my baby needed 50. Baby is now 6 mo. old and I still cry thinking about it. The second week after her birth, I took fenugreek, used a lactation aid at each feeding (12/day -- and it took at least 10 min. just to set it up each time) and double-pumped after. I gave up the lactation aid after that -- very little sleep combined with the stress of the situation caused a break though episode of myoclonus. At the high point of milk production, I was able to produce only 1 oz (approx. 25 ml) during each feeding but could pump a bit more. I've finally given up -- for the past month I've been able to pump only 1oz max every 4 or 5 hours. It took 4 sessions just to get one bottle.
My neuro encouraged breast feeding -- literature demonstrates very little passes through to breast milk, any benefits outweigh risks, great bonding time with baby.... blah, blah, blah. And I live in a part of the country where you're seen as a substandard parent if you formula/bottle feed. I'm more embarrased to be seen mixing formula in public than I ever was to accidentally flash my boob while nursing. It sucks.
The consolation I have is my healthy, happy baby girl, even though I'm still sad about things -- hence my continued search for links re: BF and Lamictal. Best of luck to everyone.
JME diagnosed '98
100 mg Lamictal 2/day b/f pregnancy; 300 mg 2/day after birth (dosage increase based on blood levels only)
I, too, had a virtually non existent milk supply. A week after my baby's birth I saw a lacatation consultant because of what I thought was latching issues. I found out I was producing in each feeding just 8ml -- my baby needed 50. Baby is now 6 mo. old and I still cry thinking about it. The second week after her birth, I took fenugreek, used a lactation aid at each feeding (12/day -- and it took at least 10 min. just to set it up each time) and double-pumped after. I gave up the lactation aid after that -- very little sleep combined with the stress of the situation caused a break though episode of myoclonus. At the high point of milk production, I was able to produce only 1 oz (approx. 25 ml) during each feeding but could pump a bit more. I've finally given up -- for the past month I've been able to pump only 1oz max every 4 or 5 hours. It took 4 sessions just to get one bottle.
My neuro encouraged breast feeding -- literature demonstrates very little passes through to breast milk, any benefits outweigh risks, great bonding time with baby.... blah, blah, blah. And I live in a part of the country where you're seen as a substandard parent if you formula/bottle feed. I'm more embarrased to be seen mixing formula in public than I ever was to accidentally flash my boob while nursing. It sucks.
The consolation I have is my healthy, happy baby girl, even though I'm still sad about things -- hence my continued search for links re: BF and Lamictal. Best of luck to everyone.
breastfeeding questions
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2005-09-15 - 18:59
In response to the question about lamictal affecting breastfeeding - would love to hear if others have had problems. I don't know of any specific impact of this AED or others limiting the milk supply but will look it up for anyone interested! Epilepsy.com Resource Specialist