Pharmacologic Management of Common Ailments in Women Who Are Breastfeeding

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of breastfeeding in the United States has increased 34% between 2005 and 2015. Women who breastfeed can require treatment of various common illnesses. When caring for women who are breastfeeding, health care providers may unnecessarily discourage them from breastfeeding during treatment. Choosing the appropriate medications for these individuals is critical to ensure the woman is effectively treated, infant exposure to medication is minimized, and the breastfeeding relationship is preserved. This article provides an overview of essential principles for prescribing medications for women who are lactating. Recommendations for the management of common illnesses seen in the outpatient setting are suggested and resources that can help guide therapeutic decision making are offered.

Breastfeeding Support: Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story

“…The articles in this issue that address pharmacologic management of common breastfeeding ailments by Dogruluk and care of women with primary breast engorgement by Gresh provide content for provider-oriented breastfeeding education. 10,11 While knowledge and education about breastfeeding can be helpful, breastfeeding support will be effective only if it is consistently offered. The pilot study in this issue published by Spisma et al collected data from women during their postpartum hospitalization and found that non-Hispanic white women are significantly more likely to room-in and less likely to be offered formula or pacifiers when compared to non-Hispanic black women.…”

“…This curriculum provides a template for one very concrete way midwives can improve breastfeeding counseling and support in their institutions. The articles in this issue that address pharmacologic management of common breastfeeding ailments by Dogruluk and care of women with primary breast engorgement by Gresh provide content for provider‐oriented breastfeeding education …”