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Breast Feeding on Remicade?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/15/2010 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
I have had Crohn's since I was 14 years old. Most of my life I had the flare-up (I call them mini contractions) sypmtoms. I am now 30 years old and after my first daughter I had developed a fistula between the vag/rec and it was ruining my life for 4 years (2 failed surgerys and 5 misscarriages) Until I was finally put on Remicade. It took 4 doses for my fistula to completely disappear and I actually got pregnant! Remicade is my miracle. I am now 35 weeks pregnant and feel great! scool I am of course still on Remicade but wanted to know if anyone else out there has breastfeed with no regret or concern that it will harm the baby. Stopping Remicade is not an option for my since it has become my new angel. smilewinkgrin
Posted 6/15/2010 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
I opted not to breatfeed while on remicade, however the peditriation, GI, and OB all thought it would be fine based on what they researched.  There are others on here that will come along and chose to breastfeed and had no issues. I just chose not to take any additonal risk since I wasn't real hip on the idea of the little guy being in me while I got my infusions. I fgured the sooner he was not exposed to Remicade the better I would feel.  I can also say that for me it was the right choice. I had to have a c-section due to crohns complications and I would not have enjoyed nursing while recovering from surgery.

Good luck.

Posted 6/15/2010 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
It's totally safe. The molecule is too large to pass through your milk. Also, the drug doesn't pass that way efficiently (why you need an infusion and not a pill). The tiny amount that could possibly get through won't harm baby. Search old threads, I know several moms on here bfed on remicade and have healthy babies/toddlers/kids now.

Congrats on 35 weeks. I'm at 40.5 and thankfully feeling great too. I think we're in a bit of a baby boom around here this spring/summer.
Posted 6/15/2010 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, and check Dr. Hale's site. The links are in an old thread I'm sure. Log in as a guest and search threads there. He's the expert on medication and breastmilk. His research should be reassuring for you.
Posted 6/15/2010 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah I too feel the same way. I just don't know any different from breast feeding my first daughter, I somehow feel so guilty if I don't breastfeed this time. But as you said "Am I willing to risk it?" and I also have to have a c-section due to prior surgeries with my fistula. I have about 5 more weeks til this little one comes and to finally make a decision. But thank you so much for your reply. :)
Posted 6/15/2010 3:14 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much inflamed...I will def check it out. (Pills did not help the fistula problem.)
Posted 6/16/2010 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't make my decesion until they handed me my hungry child ;) I kept flip flopping back and forth between I should and I don't feel comfortable with the idea. When it came time for him to eat the first time I was in a lot of pain and vomiting so I made the choice not to without regret.
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