Ask Dr. Hale Archive

Ask Dr. Hale
February 2012

 

Dear Dr. Hale,

If I have to take medications while I’m breastfeeding, what is the best way to store them?

Worried Mom

 

Dear Worried Mom,

Extreme temperatures have the potential to alter the effectiveness of medications. Drugs should not be stored in areas where the temperature may exceed 86 degrees or drop below 58 degrees. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are at risk for loss of potency and changes in chemical structure if not stored properly. Besides temperature extremes, other conditions can alter medications, such as moisture, light, and time.

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Ask Dr. Hale
January 2012

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’d rather not take medication while breastfeeding.  Are there some safe alternatives for common illnesses?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

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Ask Dr. Hale
December 2011

(Responses excerpted from the Infant Risk Center – Hot Topics www.infantrisk.com)

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’m breastfeeding and just heard about changes in the use of acetaminophen.  It is still okay for me and my baby?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

Acetaminophen is a common medication used to treat pain and fever in both children and adults. Many over-the-counter medications for cold, flu, sinus congestion, and headache contain acetaminophen along with other active ingredients. Prescription pain medications also may contain acetaminophen, such as Lortab, Percocet, Ultracet, Vicodin, and Fioricet.

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Ask Dr. Hale
November 2011

(Responses excerpted from the Infant Risk Center – Hot Topics www.infantrisk.com)

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’m pregnant and just heard about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Should I get a carbon monoxide monitor?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced from burning fuels. Common sources of carbon monoxide include motor vehicle exhaust, cooking appliances, such as charcoal grills, along with furnaces and space heaters that are not properly ventilated. In the United States, there are approximately 5000 deaths yearly from carbon monoxide poisoning, with ten percent being from accidental exposure.   

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Ask Dr. Hale
October 2011

(Responses Excerpted from InfantRisk Center - www.infantrisk.com)

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’m pregnant.  Should I get a flu shot?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

Not only is the influenza vaccine approved for use in pregnancy, it is recommended that all women who are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant during the influenza season (October-March) be vaccinated. The influenza vaccine that will be used during the 2011-2012 influenza season will contain the same viral strains as the 2010-2011 vaccine. The viral strains are H1N1, H3N2, and Influenza B. Even though the viral strains are the same, immunity can wane and obtaining an annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended.

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Ask Dr. Hale (Response excerpted from InfantRisk Center website - www.infantrisk.com)
September 2011

Dear Dr. Hale,

I am a breastfeeding mother.  My doctor has prescribed Depacon for my migrane headaches.  Will it pass through my breastmilk and hurt my baby?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom

Valproate products include valproate sodium (Depacon), valproic acid (Depakene and Stavzor), and divalproex sodium (Depakote). The valproates are categorized as anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers. The valproates are used in the treatment of seizure disorders, migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, and more recently, neuropathic (nerve) pain.

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Ask Dr. Hale ( Response excerpted from InfantRisk Center website - www.infantrisk.com)
August 2011

Dear Dr. Hale,

I’m a breastfeeding mom.  I love the outdoors, but the mosquitos are terrible where I live.  Will it hurt my baby if I use insect repellant? Can I put insect repellant on my baby?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

It’s officially summertime and along with the warm weather comes all types of insects that buzz, sting, and bite.  While the itchy aftermath is enough to keep most people guarded from insect bites, we must also remember that sometimes the situation doesn’t just end with a bump. Mosquitos and ticks can carry painful or even potentially fatal diseases, such as Lyme Disease, Malaria, and West Nile Virus, which wreak havoc long after the red bumps have disappeared. In order to protect yourself and your children, be sure to follow the CDC’s guidelines for the usage of insect repellents when participating in outdoor activities.

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Ask Dr. Hale
July 2011

I am breastfeeding.  Can I drink alcohol?

Answer excerpted from InfantRisk Center website (www.infantrisk.com):

It is well known that the use of alcohol during pregnancy can be quite hazardous for the fetus, and no one currently recommends the use of alcohol during pregnancy. However, many women may wish to consume alcohol after they have delivered their infant. Following delivery, alcohol use is probably not as hazardous. If done judiciously, women may consume some alcohol without harming their infant. They simply need to wait a while before resuming breastfeeding. The use of alcohol in breastfeeding women should be governed by the rate of elimination in that mother. We basically suggest that mothers who consume alcohol wait for their body to metabolize and eliminate the alcohol before they return to breastfeeding.

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Ask Dr. Hale
June 2011

Dear Dr. Hale,

I am pregnant and having problems with nausea and vomiting.

Answer excerpted from InfantRisk Center website (www.infantrisk.com):

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Ask Dr. Hale
May 2011

What are some alternative therapies for depression?

Answer excerpted from InfantRisk Center website (www.infantrisk.com):

Some people dread the change of seasons. Shorter, darker days mean fatigue, oversleeping, too many carbs, and having a general sense of malaise: a pattern known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal affective disorder is depression that occurs during late fall and winter months, as darkness occurs earlier in the day. Symptoms include depression, lethargy, difficulty waking, and craving carbohydrates, which often leads to weight gain (NAMI, 2007). Seasonal depression may be an issue for some of the women we see. Fortunately, safe treatments for pregnant and breastfeeding women are available.

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