friend having RA/ Fibro flare after birth of baby

September 14, 2004

Hi--I don't post that often but am seeking advice for a good friend

of mine that has JRA and Fibromyalgia. Her JRA has flared up after

birth of baby two weeks ago (She is 27). She so wants to breast feed

but feels she might have to go back on meds. Any of you had this

experience? Are there any drugs that are considered relatively safe

while breastfeeding? Her rheumy says " talk to the pediatrician " and

vice-versa. I've had RA for 7 years but adopted our children, so not

much help to her.

We are in Chicago area,

Kirsten

September 15, 2004

Kirsten,

I am not sure if I will ever have another child, but breastfeeding is

very important to me if I do, so I try to keep up on this topic.

Being breastfed is said to also reduce one's chance of getting RA, so

even more important if you have it. I have read that prednisone does

not pass into breastmilk and is safe. The problem of course is it's

not good for the mother. There has been at least one test on Enbrel

that demonstrated it does not pass into breastmilk. Both her baby's

pediatrician and her rheumatologist should have access to this

research and should help her make a decision about what they think is

safe. If not, she could look for a pediatrician that has experience

with RA if there is such a thing in her area.

Jennie

> Hi--I don't post that often but am seeking advice for a good friend

> of mine that has JRA and Fibromyalgia. Her JRA has flared up after

> birth of baby two weeks ago (She is 27). She so wants to breast

feed

> but feels she might have to go back on meds. Any of you had this

> experience? Are there any drugs that are considered relatively safe

> while breastfeeding? Her rheumy says " talk to the pediatrician " and

> vice-versa. I've had RA for 7 years but adopted our children, so

not

> much help to her.

>

> We are in Chicago area,

> Kirsten

September 15, 2004