Friend Diagnosed with Lupus, Wondering About Breastfeeding with Her Medication.

I am *so* glad this doctor is encouraging her to continue breastfeeding even while taking medication -- most docs will "err on the side of caution" [ha!] and recommend that mothers stop breastfeeding at the drop of a hat, so this is refreshing to hear.

Most medications do not enter breastmilk in large enough quantities to have a clinical effect in the baby [http://www.mothering.com/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-and-.... From the American Academy of Pediatrics [http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/3/776.f...] - both of those drugs are listed as having "no effect" on breastfeeding or on the baby.

Here's a simple version of what is happening: the mother takes the drug, and some of it enters the bloodstream; some of what is in her bloodstream is used by her body to create breastmilk. So, the baby gets a very reduced percentage of a percentage of the original drug.

You can also check out the KellyMom website for a fantabulous resource on breastfeeding [http://kellymom.com/health/index.html].

My sister has Lupus and is on the same medication regime. It is dangerous to be PREGNANT on Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) but for breastfeeding it is an L2 - which is deemed safe. L1 is the safest.

As for Prednisone - it is also an L2

GIVE THAT DOCTOR A COOKIE - or at least a pat on the back. That Dr actually did her/his research and took the time to be helpful to your sister instead of regurgitation the blanket statement of "wean or pump and dump". I'm VERY proud of that Dr!!

Information I shared comes from the medical book: Medications and Mother's Milk by Dr T. Hale - 2008 Edition

Both my mom and older sister have lupus. My mom(she was diagnosed with lupus at 35) had her last child at 43 and breast fed her for 2 years- no problems! My little sister just graduated last month at the top of her class and got a full ride scholarship to one of the colleges she applied to! My mom and sister both watch their diets now- a lot of sugar and processed foods cause flare-ups. Stress does also- so if your friend is a high stress person, encourage her to get into a yoga class or some other form of meditation for stress reduction. My mom is now 62 and in great health and she only takes her meds for flare ups. If you want more info- you can pm me.
~C.

My suggestion is to see holistic/natural doctors who know how to successfully treat lupus without any drugs. There are proven ways to heal lupus that don't involve pharma drugs and would be safer for a breastfeeding mom. These involve detoxing the body, supplementing key nutrients, and eliminating dietary allergens like dairy and most grains. In the long run the drugs given for lupus symptoms are likely to do more harm than good. Here's a few links where your friend can learn more.

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/lupus.html
http://curezone.com/diseases/lupus/
http://www.naturallupuscure.com/

I agree with Kathy 100% I would also continue to breastfeed.

THAT DOCTOR IS CRAZY!!!!! NO WAY WOULD I BREASTFEED PUTTING THOSE TOXINS THAT CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE, AUTISM AND SENSORY PROCESSING ISSUES IN MY CHILD!!!! Ween her to a cup over the next few weeks and then start meds if that's what she really wants but there are natural ways to treat Lupus. She needs to research. My friend takes something that has worked for about a year now.