Campaigns to pressure moms to breastfeed just hit a new low -- and it's dangerously low

Dumb and dumber

Breastfeeding? Don’t get Janet started.

Years ago, my friend Janet attended a breastfeeding class. As a first-time mom, she came away shocked. She said the instructors were breastfeeding bullies.

They told her, “Good moms breastfeed.” The obvious implication being that only a negligent mom would give formula to her baby. There were no gray areas. You were either good or bad.

Some of the moms in the class responded to the guilt motivation. Others, like Janet, resented the strong-arm tactics. When the time came, her anxiety about failing made it harder to breastfeed.

That was almost 20 years ago. Today, it’s even worse. Lactation consultants would urge Janet to take drugs to help get her on track.

That’s right — breastfeeding drugs. Appalling? Unfortunately, it’s MUCH worse than it sounds.

An all time low

Using guilt to motivate breastfeeding hit an all time low last year. New York City’s Mayor Bloomberg launched a campaign to pressure new moms to breastfeed.

Talk about invasive government! There are all sorts of reasons why some women can’t breastfeed. The idea that they need a push from elected officials could not be more insulting.

But the idea that they need a push from a drug is so much worse! It’s potentially dangerous for mother AND child.

The two drugs are Reglan and Domperidone. We’ll call them dumb and dumber.

Reglan alleviates gas pains. It also boosts a hormone that prompts breast-milk production. But this is an off-label use. The FDA hasn’t approved the drug to promote lactation.

Ready for the side effects? Depression, fatigue, and irritability. You can put those right at the top of the list of things a new mom does NOT need to cope with. And then there’s tardive dyskinesia. It’s a rare side effect that causes muscle spasms of the face. Oh, and it happens to be irreversible!

Reglan? Dumb. But Domperidone is dumber.

Like Reglan, it relieves gas pains and promotes lactation. Side effects include hot flashes, breast pain, headaches, eye pain, and eye swelling.

Yes. EYE swelling. And the body also excretes the drug in breast milk. That’s why the FDA warns that the drug could expose an infant to “serious adverse effects.” And that’s one of the reasons the agency won’t approve it for any use at all in the U.S. Unfortunately, confused, desperate mothers can still get it, as it’s available in Canada, and from dubious sources on the Internet.

So let’s review…

Yes, mother’s milk provides ideal nutrition for infants. But if the milk is laced with a risky drug that even the FDA won’t touch… Come on. That’s more than just a little insane.

And yet, in spite of the potential dangers, some lactose consultants actually recommend these drugs.

Unbelievable!

Add to that, the drugs might not even work. Research results are mixed. It appears some women benefit, but many do not. But they’re all equally at risk. As are their infants.

In case I haven’t made it clear, I’m 100% in favor of encouraging breastfeeding. It’s the best way to feed infants. But pressuring vulnerable young moms to take questionable drugs is reckless.

Let’s call it what it is… Malpractice.

Sources:
“Breastfeeding Pills’ Risky Results” Eliza Shapiro, The Daily Beast, 8/7/12, thedailybeast.com