Breastfeeding and Medication
By Wendy Jones
Published February 14th 2013 by Routledge – 336 pages
Description
Sadly, women often feel they have no alternative but to give up breastfeeding, having being prescribed or purchased medication. In many cases, however, this is unnecessary. This book outlines the evidence-base for the use of medication during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding and Medication presents a comprehensive guide to the most frequently prescribed drugs and their safety for breastfeeding mothers. Evaluating the evidence for interventions and using a simple format for quickly identifying medications which are safe or unsafe to use, it also highlights those drugs where there is inconclusive evidence.
Additional contextual information makes this the most complete text for those practitioners who support and treat breastfeeding women. It:
- provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the breast together with hormonal influences in order to better understand how complications, such as mastitis, arise and inform the approach to their treatment
- includes a section on conditions that affect women specifically when they are lactating where prescription of medication may be necessary
- discusses the importance of breastfeeding and its advantages, as well as its disadvantages
- explores how to support breastfeeding mothers, and presents a counselling model approach.
Taking into account the recommendations of NICE Maternal and Child Nutrition guidelines, this is an invaluable reference for all health practitioners and volunteers who work with, support and treat breastfeeding women, including lactation consultants, breastfeeding support workers, health visitors, GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists and midwives.
Reviews
‘This book is carefully researched and comprehensive yet still easy to read. It will be a valuable resource for anyone prescribing to breastfeeding mothers including pharmacists, GPs and health visitors.’ – Sue Ashmore, Programme Director of UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative.
‘Breastfeeding is very important for the health of both the mother and child. Interrupting breastfeeding may lead to permanent weaning of the child, who may refuse the breast after being off the breast for even a few days. Dr Jones’ easy to understand, evidence-based information on drugs and breastfeeding will help many physicians prescribe for breastfeeding mothers, and confidently encourage them to continue breastfeeding, rather than interrupt breastfeed which too often happens unnecessarily. This is a necessary text for all prescribers.’ – Dr Jack Newman, Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute, Toronto, Canada.
'The World Health Organisation and UNICEF strongly advocate the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding across the globe. It is crucial to ensure that women and families are equipped with the best available evidence with regard to taking medication whilst breastfeeding. However, there have been many situations in which incorrect, inappropriate and conflicting information and advice have been given, including recommending early cessation of breastfeeding. This book written by Wendy Jones, a pharmacist with specialist knowledge of lactation and breastfeeding, will be crucial in ensuring that consistent, evidence-based, culturally sensitive information is provided to breastfeeding women. The book will be invaluable to pharmacists, medical practitioners, breastfeeding supporters, lactation consultants, midwives, health visitors and maternal and child health nurses, across the world. I thoroughly recommend this book as a key resource for all practitioners who support breastfeeding women and their families.’ – Fiona Dykes, Professor of Maternal and Infant Health, University of Central Lancashire, UK.
Contents
Introduction Part 1 1. Breastfeeding in Context 2. How does Breastfeeding Work? 3. Constituents of Breastmilk and Formula Milk 4. Understanding the importance of Breastmilk 5. Treating Conditions Related to Breastfeeding 6. Decision Making on the Safety of Drugs in Breastmilk 7. Professional Responsibility and Counselling Part 2 8. Information on Level of Drugs into Breastmilk 9. Conclusion Appendix
Author Bio
Wendy Jones is an independent pharmacist prescriber with over 20 years' experience as a breastfeeding support worker for the Breastfeeding Network (BfN). She runs the BfN Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline and has presented widely to healthcare professionals, volunteers and mothers on this subject.
Name: Breastfeeding and Medication (Paperback) – Routledge
Description: By Wendy Jones. Sadly, women often feel they have no alternative but to give up breastfeeding, having being prescribed or purchased medication. In many cases, however, this is unnecessary. This book outlines the evidence-base for the use of medication during...
Categories: Breastfeeding, Community and Public Health Nursing, Pharmaceutical Medicine, Perinatal & Neonatal Medicine, Midwifery, Nurse Prescribing
