Must-Know Facts about Breastfeeding in Epilepsy: How to Raise A Smart Baby!
Susan recently gave birth to a healthy baby boy! Although Susan suffers from epilepsy, she did not have any seizures during her pregnancy. Now she wants to know whether she could continue her medications during the breastfeeding period. If you are an epileptic-lactating mother, you could have the same problem! So let us find answers to some of the frequently arising questions about breastfeeding in epilepsy!
Can I Continue My Seizure Medications During The Breastfeeding Period?
Surely you can! The amount of medicine secreted into the breast milk is very small and cannot cause a significant problem to your baby. One study shows evidence that the IQ and the intelligence of the baby increase by four points if the baby is breastfed while the mother is on antiepileptic medicine! In addition, breastfeeding has a huge list of benefits to both the child and the mother and one should not miss those without a good reason. Moreover, it is a good practice to have a follow-up with a pediatrician for further advice.
Do I Need to Change My Seizure Medications After Delivery?
Most likely yes! During the period of pregnancy, usually, the dose is increased due to the physiological changes in that period. Since the body comes back to its normal state after the delivery, the dose should be lowered. Therefore the dose should be tapered down to your normal dose within about two weeks.
What will Happen to My Seizures after the Delivery?
The first few days of the postpartum period could be very stressful to the mother due to various reasons such as frequent wake-ups during the night, frequent feeding, and basically the new super busy schedule. This stressful new routine could trigger seizures.
Yet, you could manage this stressful period more wisely to prevent seizures. For example, explain this to your spouse and the family and get help from them in handling the baby as that may give you enough time to be relaxed and get some good night's sleep.
What Should I Specially Consider when Breastfeeding My Baby?
Managing your time is an important factor! The co-operation of your family also plays a key role here. You can feed the baby as you usually do during the daytime, but you can express your milk and store it for nighttime use. A family member can feed during the nighttime, which may let you sleep with minimum disturbances.
Can I Carry My Baby?
Of course, you can, but as there is a possibility for you to get seizures, you better be extra cautious! It is recommended that epileptic mothers may carry their babies while sitting. Furthermore, it is a good practice to have a family member present with you when you carry your baby. Walking while carrying your baby is not recommended, as you might drop the baby if a seizure occurs. Even strapping the baby to you is not a wise idea as you too could fall during a seizure.
Conclusion
Maybe you are also another Susan who has a list of questions regarding breastfeeding in epilepsy. Being an epileptic patient is not a reason for you to prevent your baby from gaining a thousand and one benefits of breastfeeding. Therefore, bid farewell to all the myths, follow the relevant precautions, and continue breastfeeding to raise the smarter and healthier baby you always wanted!