Every woman's situation is unique. A mother struggling to deal with suicidal urges is in a different position from one who may need a stronger support system or education about what constitutes normal newborn behavior. As in many situations, a Leader's role is to help a mother evaluate her options. The question is whether or not artificial feeding has more inherent risks than continuing to breastfeed while on medication. Questions about specific drugs should be handled on an individual basis.
New information is constantly available.
Our Professional Liaison Department is there to provide us with the information we need in order to help mothers. Some mothers have continued to nurse while on medication. One option, which is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics when there is a question about a drug, is to have the doctor regularly monitor the mother and the baby. Few other resource or support people offer the degree of empathy and personal interaction Leaders do. Our own experiences as mothers enable us to respond to women in this situation with compassion and understanding.