Rheumatoid Arthritis And Breastfeeding

Many women suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA. RA is a chronic inflammatory disease, thought to be called a genetically influenced autoimmune response thought to 2005). During pregnancy, many women with RA symptoms usually get better, even allowing women to go into remission, only for symptoms to return after delivery. Prolactin, a milk production hormone, has been known to act as an immunostimulator (Brennanand Silman, 1994).There are many benefits to breastfeed your baby. During breastfeeding, a woman needs to look down at her baby, causing a lot of pain in her neck. There is a whole lot of strain on the neck because breastfeeding is repeated every 2 to 3 hours around the clock for thefirst few weeks. In fact, some womenneed physical therapy for their RA while they are breastfeeding. Moms need to find a good position to help with her baby on her breast. Finding a comfortable position for her back,neck and hands is important while breastfeeding. Use extra pillows and blankets if needed. The cradle hold, cross cradlehold, football hold and side lying hold can be used while breastfeeding. Ask a Lactation Consultant, I work hard inUse extra pillows and blankets if needed. The cradle hold, cross cradle hold, football hold and side lying hold can be used while breastfeeding. Ask a Lactation Consultant, I work hard in my  private practice, to find the right position for each new mom. For the cradle hold, mom supports her baby's head with the arm on the side as her nursing breast and the cross cradle uses the opposite arm. For the football hold, the mom holds her baby at the side, with her elbows bent and supports her baby's head in her arm. You can use extra pillows or blankets under the baby's head for additional support. With lying down on her side, the mom holds the baby with one hand as the other breast helps guide the baby to her breast. Women need to talk to the Rheumatologist or Ob/ Gyn, to see what drugs are safe while breastfeeding. Most medicines that are safe during pregnancy, are usually safe while breastfeeding. Furthermore, ask your doctor if you need to continue taking your prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding, so you can receive additional vitamins while breastfeeding. If you are having a bad RA day, it is flaring up, and you are inconstant pain, ask for help.Have someone else take care of the baby for a while. They can burp or change the baby's diaper if needed. Sometimes, switching breastfeeding positionsduring the day helps. If you cannot breastfeed due to severe pain from RA, you can pump. Call a Lactation Consultant or your doctor tohelp you out. Buy a Hands free pumpingbra to help hold the pump bottles in place, so you don't need to use your hands. In conclusion, have a good support system to help after delivery, while you breastfeed. Speak to your Rheumatologistand Ob/Gyn about breastfeeding. I hope all of you enjoy breastfeeding and thisspecial time bonding with her baby. The following is a list of drugs you can take while breastfeeding with RA. Antitumor necrosis Factor drug Antimalarials Azathioprine Corticosteroids Cyclosporine Heparin NSAIDS SulfasalazineThese drugs are NOT good to takewhile breastfeeding Cyclophosphamide Methotrexate Mycophenolate Rituximab Warfarin-this drug may be ok With all the above list, ask your doctor which drug is right for you during breastfeeding.