Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: MG and breastfeeding

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Myasthenia Gravis


I'm getting mixed signals about whether breastfeeding women should breastfeed. I've had two children since being diagnosed and breastfed them both with no problems. Now I'm pregnant again and have heard from other sources that maybe breastfeeding should be avoided. The only medication i am on is mestinon - 60 mg 4 times a day. Any thoughts?

Carrie

Dear Carrie:

Congradulations on your new expectant baby. Given what you have told me, I would encourage you to breastfeed. It is best for your infant, first and foremost. It sounds like the level of you antibodies is low enough not to harm your infant. One easy way to see if your antibody titer (level) is higher and may affect you infant, if you notice that his/her suck is not up to par. As having two other infants who have breastfed, you will know if the suck and swallow mechanism is subpar. If you notice a decrease suck with feeding then I would consider bottle feeding. It sounds like it would be a remote occurance. Another sign of increased antibodies would be if the 60 mg of mestinon did not hold your symptoms. You will know if this happens. So unless these two things occur, go ahead and breastfeed.

Best of Luck,

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro:Pediatrics MD RPS



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