Risk perception of maternal medication use during breastfeeding, physicians' advice, and choice of breastfeeding

grantor: University of TorontoThis thesis examines the effects of maternal medication use postpartum and advice received regarding breastfeeding safety on breastfeeding initiation and duration. To allow generalizability, women on agents with different breastfeeding safety profiles (propylthiouracil, carbamazepine, St. John's Wort, or lithium) were interviewed. Compared to control groups, breastfeeding initiation and duration were decreased when women required propylthiouracil or carbamazepine postpartum (p < 0.05). In addition, physicians' advice was found to be a significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation (p = 0.02 for propylthiouracil, p = 0.04 for carbamazepine). Although women interested in St. John's Wort breastfed, those who received advice stating it was compatible with breastfeeding were more likely to initiate therapy than those who did not (p = 0.01). Compliance to lithium therapy was affected; most women either continued lithium therapy postpartum and formula fed, or discontinued lithium and breastfed. No increased rates of adverse effects were seen in nursed infants when compared to controls.M.Sc