Medications & Mothers' Milk 2014: A Manual of Lactational Pharmacology

by Hilary E. Rowe, Hilary E. Rowe

Now in its 16th Edition, Medications and Mothers' Milk, is the worldwide best selling drug reference on the use of medications in breastfeeding mothers. This book provides you with the most current, complete, and easy-to-read information on using medications in breastfeeding mothers. This massive new update has hundreds of new drugs, diseases, vaccines, and syndromes. It also contains numerous new tables, and changes to hundreds of existing drugs. Written by a world-renown clinical pharmacologist, Dr. Thomas Hale, this drug reference provides includes everything that is known about the transfer of various medications into human milk, and the use of radiopharmaceuticals, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, and vaccines in breastfeeding mothers. This new and expanded reference has data on more than 1,300 drugs, syndromes, vaccines, herbals, and many other substances. The appendices are full of information on radioactive drugs and tests, over-the-counter drugs, and much more. New to this Edition: More than 200 new drugs, vaccines, herbals, and chemicals. Major updates to many existing drugs and other substances. New data on close contact restrictions following radioisotope use. Many new radiocontrast agents. Updated tables on birth control medications

Genres: Parenting, Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Medical

1275 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1995

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a dollar for every time a Dr told
Me "wean" because of a medication, I would be rich. They don't know, they don't do research, they just tell you To wean. I carried this book with me to every Dr appointment I went to for the three years I was Breastfeeding my two kids. It saved me. It educated physicians who otherwise did not believe me. EVERY mother serious about Breastfeeding should get a copy of this book!!!!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned from this book that (in my own words) unless it's a decongestant (which will significantly decrease your milk) or radioactive, you can probably take it while pregnant or breastfeeding. Really.

Three years ago, I wanted to keep taking a newish antidepressant while pregnant, but since there were concerns based on one anecdote, I was advised to stop taking it. I find today that the antidepressant I stopped taking is now a preferred med for pregnancy and breastfeeding. What a hardship that was to stop in the middle of a difficult pregnancy, when I could have kept taking it. Only three years makes a difference in the information available.

If a doctor *ever* tells you that a medicine is contraindicated while breastfeeding, get another opinion: call LLL, check with a lactation consultant, call the local pregnancy riskline. In the end, you make your own decision.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every breastfeeding mother and health professional that works with breastfeeding mothers NEEDS this book. Do not ever believe that you cannot breastfeed on a certain medication without referencing this book!

I have the 2004 edition (time for a new one!) and I am willing to give info on specific meds if needed.

[Deserae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The go to source for lactation professionals on which medications are compatible with breastfeeding because most doctors don't actually know. This book isn't just for professionals, but handy for any caregiver.

[Elizabeth Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously not a book you read cover to cover, but when it comes to medicine while breastfeeding, this is the source all others rely on.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would get updated version now, but was great then.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every breastfeeding mother needs this book. I take it with me to EVERY doctor visit. Most doctors will say that almost all medications are off limits during breastfeeding because they get their information from the medication guides put out by the pharmaceutical companies. Those books are written by lawyers to protect pharma companies from litigation.

What I like about this book is that it is technical while the average person can still read it. It has information on half-lifes of medication, pediatric doses, alternative medications, and information that doctors need to be able to prescribe appropiate medication to breastfeeding mothers. It includes lactation categories (L1 safe, L4 not safe, etc) much like the pregnancy categories of A,B,C,D,X;

This is a must have and is updated every year with new medications.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Updated yearly, this indispensable handbook helps mothers decide the risks, if any, of specific medications and breastfeeding. The updated yearly part is crucial, as new medications come out all the time, and experience and research teaches us how older medications are tolerated. It is written for the health care professional, but used mostly by breastfeeding counselors, and accessible to nursing mothers.

[Lorenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-have for nursing mothers. Every single time I have been to the doctor over the past four years, I've had medication prescribed to me that was not safe for my nurslings, despite discussing the importance of compatibility with my doctors. I have been told more than once to "simply wean" my child(ren), once even while my child was a newborn. This book has been an invaluable tool to carry with me to every appointment so doctors can select an appropriate and safe alternative medication.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable resource for breastfeeding counselors. Updated yearly. All doctors' offices should employ the use of this book and many, many mothers would be spared the trouble of being told to wean "just in case."

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a reference of how just about any medication, when taken by a breastfeeding mother, affects her breastfeeding child. It is an exhaustive resource that is super helpful, especially interms of antidepressants, but also just as a reference for OTC medication.

[Jenn818 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I use it constantly.

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good as a reference for pharmacy school, I think some school organization gave copies of this book out for free.

[MamasAt Work]

A must-have for your collection if you are breastfeeding. ~Cindy