Opiates present in human milk?

[Beth]

Is there anyone who knows ANYTHING solid about the presence of opiates in breastmilk? I have been a milk donor for some time (to HIV + babies- human milk is literally the difference between life and death for some of them as opposed to artificial infant formula) but now that I have a constant stream of opiates in my system, is it safe?

I have heard SO many conflicting opinions that I just don't know. So maybe if any of you ladies who have been pregnant/nursing while on opioid meds and have info from your doctors, you can let me know. Right now I just pump & pour it down the sink, but there are so many babies in need out there...if it's safe for me to donate again I would really like to.

[susanlea]

Thank you Milo for your kind thoughts. No we have never had an occassion to talk. My mom died 4 years ago, and I'm ok with her being gone, it took awhile but in time the pain heals. I really feel for Cindi now, the loss of her mom is so new, this past Christmas. I am just now coming to terms with the loss of the man I loved to addiction. Between everyone her on this forum, Al-anon, and Narc-anon, I am now healing from what this disease has done to my family. What's been said here is true. Unless someone has expierenced addiction, they cannot understand. I have learned alot of things, reading, counseling, meetings. But I can only understand from being on the outside. I know from what I've learned, and the other addicts, and loved ones I have met, is......I can't change the person, but I can change my attitude about the addiction. I used to think, like most, that a person addicted to alcohol or drugs, was the vagrant in the gutter. I have learned that it's my next door neighbor, my kids teacher, and the den mother at my son's Cub scout meetings. This is a disease, we cannot judge the addict. They are people just like me. They have families, jobs, homes, and attend Church on Sundays. I now know, no one chooses to have an addiction. Sometimes it will happen to one, but not the next, addiction does not play favorites,  it is color blind, and does not care whether you live in a Mansion or on the street. I have found some of the most caring, compassionate, and loving people I have ever met, right here. The people here are special. I have met friends here, I will like to have in my life forever. Please be patient with me, sometimes I just like to read the posts, everyday it helps me understand why I can't help him. Everyone here has been so kind to me and so helpful. Because you see, they don't judge me....Love Susan

[cindi]

Thank you   I really needed to hear that right now..it's been rough   I have to go now but I will jump on in the morning.....I love you people on this board...........Love cin

[susanlea]

The daily and nightly crying does eventually stop. The old saying time heals all wounds is true. There will come a time when it will nolonger be painful. I'm not saying you'll start forgetting her, but when you think of her, you will be able to smile and laugh because the good times and happy times become so much clearer. I still miss my mom and dad everyday, sometimes you will forget she's gone and pick up the phone to call her, because you want to share something with her. After awhile life goes back to some kind of normalcy. The kids and family, friends and work, will start to take up your time. Life does go on. If someone had told me that in 1988, when my dad died, I would have thought them crazy. One day you will wake up and you will feel her peace. You will feel her telling you it's ok now, start living your own life. Would your mom want you to grieve for her forever? I don't think so. What you have said about your mom tells me she was a wonderful loving mom and woman. She would want good things for you, she would want you to be happy. You and your sister will get through this, once you start packing her things, and letting go of what you nolonger need, you will start to have closure. My exhusband, who is truly a good man, got a puppy after my mom died, He named her Hilda, after my mom. My kids love that dog, he helps keep her memory alive. I told you before, my kids and I send helium balloons up in the sky, to tell her we miss her and love her, it feels good. You will find in your own time, the peace within....take care my friend, I'm thinking of you.....Love Susan

[cindi]

Hey the wunderful wiz back.....Hey there, you have no idea how much I missed talking to you...Fly fishing huh?  I think I told you I used to love to go bass fishing...haven't done it for awhile..still have all my stuff though and someday I will..( that was when I was dating another guy LOL)   I used to release them as well...Bass tournaments etc.  are a big thing up here and down south...I love being in nature alos...the ocean is my favorite place in the world....it is so majestic, it can be so calming yet become so raging the next minute...and I think Milo describe it as spritual....that is the first place I am going when I get to Florida....Hey can i get to this forum from using my sister's and dad's computer...will I have to register again?   if I have to re-register then I'll get another name and let you know who I am.....as far as my mom goes....I do believe you guys when you say it gets easier....things are easier to deal with when I have you guys....i gotta be in owrk early to open today  talk to you soon       Love to all  cin

[Wizard]

Had to break in and say hi to everyone. I just got back from my fly fishing trip and now I think I'm addicted to something else! I haven't had a chance to catch up with everyone yet on what I've missed but I see a few new names on the board with a lot of fantastic advice from all of you special "angels" here. Cin, I couldn't find a phone outlet to write but actually it was good to let the whole world go for a few days. I never even thought of the "Dragon" for the few days I was in the wilderness. I had forgotten how high I could get just being surrounded by all of God's magical creatures and creations. I was truly blessed with a natural euphoria that I won't ever forget!  Well, enough of my good time in Oz, Cin,I want to tell you as time goes on the daily weepy moments do get less and less after your huge loss. You never completely fill the hole in your heart but you do come to terms with it as you let go. One of the hardest things for me was going through my fathers belongings after he passed on. It's funny how you remember some of the bad times and the good times while you do it. Now, all I remember is the GOOD times as it should be because I know he's up there watching over me as is your mother looking over you. Was it Angelica who said "keep your chin up"? Good advice! Even in the woods I thought of all you "angels" here and keep you in my prayers. I hope all is well with you and your family.
Thomas, I thank you for your little post to me below on the 6th.
I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have you say that. I often thought of you and of how you were doing with the benzo thing. I wished you could of been there with me wading in the Pit River looking up at Mt. Shasta as I was hooking monster Rainbow trout! it seemed so symbolic to me being a recovering addict myselfbeing hooked for so long. I took the greater joy of releasing the rainbows back to their river then I did in catching them. You know me being the Wizard and all how I like RAINBOWS LOL. But really it was so nice to release them as I've released myself. They are there for another day and another child to catch and hopefully release again. It truly was better then any opiate I have ever gotten high on! Clear air, clear water and most of all MY CLEAR MIND! I thank all of you for helping me get there. I thank God for leading me to you. God Bless you all you are in my prayers this evening. That includes Angelica,Jay Jay,Shane, Milo, Susanlea,and everyone on this board forgive me if I left your name off but you know you are in my heart!
Power & Magick 2 U all,
Peace & Light of the Lord on us all,
Love,
Wizard

[Milo]

Wizard -- I'm so glad things are going well for you! It sounds like that trip was just what you needed. I don't get out in nature as much as I should. But I love being at a lake with the smell of the woods, the lapping of water against the pier -- pure heaven. I also get a lot spiritually out of walking along a beach, preferably in off-season w/few people around. The sheer majesty of the blue water stretching out endlessly & touching the sky is fantastic! BTW, have you ever read the poem "The Fish" by Elizabeth Bishop. I think you'd *really* enjoy it following your vacation. And, BTW, your story continues to be an inspiration to me, & I'm sure to many others.
Cindi -- I loved your comment about your loins spewing forth no more life! LOL about that quaint phrasing!!
lea -- I wish you peace and serenity in coming to terms with the loss of your mother. We  haven't talked to each other on here much (any?), but my thoughts are with you as you get through this difficult time. --Milo