Marie called with a question, “My baby is 4 weeks old, and my husband and I love her to death. However, she is a lot of work, and we do not want another little one quite yet. My husband and I are also hoping to resume our sex life, but can I be on birth control while breastfeeding?” MotherToBaby is here to help answer some of those questions! Of course, before you decide, it is best to speak with your medical provider and get their advice. Since everyone is different, some birth …
The Baby Blog: Medications
FDA Pregnancy Risk Categories: Going Away for Good
By Lynn Martinez and Julia Robertson, CPM During the more than 40 years MotherToBaby affiliates have been serving the public with education regarding exposures during pregnancy, many women have called who are very distressed, sometimes in tears, about finding out they were pregnant while taking a drug categorized as an X or D in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) system. “I’ve been on birth control pills and I still got pregnant! Does this mean my baby will have birth defects? It’s a …
Breastfeeding: Treating Cough and Cold Symptoms
Baby it’s cold outside…and ‘tis the season for MotherToBaby to answer questions about cough and cold medications while breastfeeding. Some “Cold” Hard FactsFactors such as your baby’s age and whether they were born prematurely or have chronic health problems matter. Very young babies (less than 3 months old) may have a more difficult time metabolizing medications in the milk and may be more susceptible to side effects like sleepiness. Milk is also their complete diet, and some …
Behind the Scenes at MotherToBaby
Did you know that 70% of pregnant women take at least one prescribed medication? And that 90% take any medication during pregnancy? How do you know if it is safe for a pregnant woman to take these medicines?MotherToBaby Teratogen Information Specialists (TIS) are experts at answering questions about any possible increased risk of taking an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescribed medication, as well as any other exposures! A teratogen is something that can increase the risk for birth defects to the …
Birth Defects Prevention Month Series: Making Medication Decisions in Pregnancy Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
By Ginger Nichols, Licensed Certified Genetic Counselor at MotherToBaby Connecticut With Birth Defects Prevention Month in full swing, it’s time to focus on Tip #2 for Preventing Birth Defects: Booking a visit with your health care provider before stopping or starting any medicine. Callers to MotherToBaby often wonder why it’s important to talk with their health care provider before stopping or starting a medication. My most recent caller to MotherToBaby asked this very question. Maria …
