Breast feeding during illness and when on medication

The mother can continue breast feeding while she is unwell. In such cases, the doctors prescribe medicines that are less likely to harm the baby. In aliments such as septicemia or jaundice, the doctors may discontinue breast feeding for a short period. During this gap, the mother should express the milk to safeguard against breast engorgement and to ensure free flow of milk when she resumes breast feeding after a few days. As far as the baby, feed him with a clean spoon and cup during this passing phase. Almost all drugs taken by lactating mothers are excreted through breast milk, usually in very small amounts. But, if a drug is required to be given in a large dose or over an extended period, breast feeding may prove damaging to the infant. Antithyroid drugs given to the mother with thyrotoxicosis for instance, may cause hypothyroidism in the infant. There are certain contraceptive pills which have an adverse effect on lactation. But, again a point that should not be overlooked is, that this is the case only when lactation is not yet established. The contraceptive pill does not however interfere with the full established lactation. All said and done it is advisable to wait about six weeks before starting on oral contraceptive.