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Asacol and Breastfeeding

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/27/2008 7:29 AM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I am kind of freaking out here.  I am praying someone can help ease my worries.  I am almost 39 weeks pregnant, due any second, and in a minor flare.  With my first child I didn't flare at all until after I stopped breastfeeding.  With this one, I am already flaring so I can only imagine what giving birth is going to do to the situation.  Ok, here's the issue.  Last time around I wasn't on Asacol.  This time I am.  My doc said that it gives some babies diarrahea and then moms have to stop BFing.  Ok, so you are thinking, not the end of the world Jen why are you freaking out your baby can just take formula and he will be just fine not breastfeeding?  Well my daughter was SEVERELY allergic to dairy AND soy.  She couldn't even take the hypoallergenic formula that is $15/can and refused neocate(the only one that has no dairy or soy and tastes really really nasty so I couldn't blame her) which is $30/can..oh and the cans are REALLY small.  So I breastfed her, through all the issues we had(I won't go into the BFing issues as I save those for the mom forums.  tongue )  So...what if I go into a crazy flare, have to up my asacol or..even worse get put on some meds that I can't breastfeed on at all and then my son is also allergic to dairy and soy and the only thing he CAN eat is breastmilk???  You see the stress?  I don't know what to do and then I start thinking maybe it was irresponsible of me to have a baby when I know I have UC.  I just really didn't think I would flare as I didn't flare last time during pregnancy and my UC has been pretty good to me lately... 

When are they going to find a cure to this #%@$%$#^#^$% disease??????  Ok, I'm done with my rant.  If you are still there, thanks for listening!

Posted 10/27/2008 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Asacol when I became pregnant with my daughter. I was concerned about being on it so I talked to my GI, my OB and then I called a nurse from the makers of Asacol. They had all assured me that it would not harm the baby and they were right. She was born very healthy (slightly jaundice though) and I even breast fed her with no problems at all.
Posted 10/27/2008 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
Sherry you breastfed her with no problems???????? That is the most wonderful news I have heard!! I want to kiss you right now. Seriously. I couldn't sleep all last night thinking about this(stupid pregnancy hormones, right when you need the most sleep possible you can't sleep). Thank you thank you thank you!
Posted 10/27/2008 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
I've not got any kids yet, but hopefully soon, I've been doing lots of work trying to prep my body for it over the past year.  If it eases your mind at all, every doctor I have talked to (my GI, nurse, two high risk OBs and a regular OB) said that there is zero problem with Asacol in both pregnancy and breastfeeding.  I am on max dose right now and intend to stay there through the whole process.  I was freaking out too thinking about all the meds but the docs hardly batted an eye at it.
Posted 10/27/2008 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
I forget the actual time frame on this, but my daughter was born in 9/02- I breastfed her for 27 long months..... I was diagnosed with UC in late '02, & put on Asacol, 8 tabs 4xday by mid '03. No problems with breastfeeding whatsoever. None. Check out the doctors book, Dr. Hale I think his name is??? It's like the gold standard for meds & nursing. Surprisingly, most meds are ok to take while breastfeeding. The benefits of nursing far outweigh the potential risks of the meds. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2002/55732.pdf

 check that out too- it's long but it's from the WHO & it's very comprehensive.

Posted 10/27/2008 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
hi jen
i'm currently breastfeeding my 2nd baby (7 weeks old) on asacol. (although my first baby didn't get it until he was 8 months old and very healthy).

what you really need to remember is to not stress about it!
every time my new baby has a little bit of a green poo (as opposed to yellow) or a watery one (without the little chunks) i do worry a little and pray it's not the asacol bothering him.
but you have to try not to analyze every single poo and know that your breastmilk is best for him and that asacol (to keep you out of a bad flare) is ultimately best for you both if it keeps you healthy.
get some rest when you can!

hope you have a great birth!!
Posted 10/28/2008 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you have had your worries put to rest, YEAH! I BF my son on Imuran for 2 1/2 years; I didn't need Asacol at the time. I thought of one other option, I didn't do it myself, but I thought I'd throw it out there as a possibility. If you live in an area that La Leche League has an office you could get donated breast milk, I know maybe it sounds a little weird, but it's an option. I hope you are feeling better soon and have a fantastic delivery of a healthy baby. Please never feel like it is irresponsible to have a baby when you know you have UC, you obviously are a great, caring mom already. That is a lucky child to have you as a mom.
Jen
Posted 10/28/2008 11:37 AM (GMT 0)
Have the doctors said you should be worried that your 2nd child will have the same allergies? I know many, many people who have one child with severe allergies while the other child has no allergies. I know you're feeling nervous but try to relax and not panic. Good luck with your delivery!!
Posted 10/28/2008 3:38 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely keep us posted as your time/energy permit! You have a more knowledgeable gastro to consult this time around-- so try to stay calm & positive, hard as it may be. Thinking of you & beaming good vibes toward CA! / Old Hat (nearly 30 yrs with left-sided UC ... [etc.])

Posted 10/28/2008 5:19 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone!!! You are all so awesome. I feel soooo much better. As for not worrying..not going to happen. It is just in my nature! I hate the unknown and all of this is so out of my control it stinks. As for the docs telling me DS will have allergies definitely not, but I ALWAYS prepare for the worst in my head. DD's were pretty severe and neither DH nor I have any major food allergies so it took me totally by surprise. This time I am prepared. If he is a happy go lucky, non-colicky, no allergies kid I will be overjoyed, but I'm not betting on it. I know, I know..I'm a glass 1/2 emtpy kind of gal, but it works for me. Thanks again for everyone's advice and I will keep you posted!
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