OBJECTIVES: The benefits of breastfeeding are generally accepted. Risk of drug usage for baby due to lactation is well assessed minimally in certain cases. However, information given about drugs are often insufficient, frustrating, and not recommending lactation. In Czech Teratology Information Service (CZTIS) counselling we use these information. RESULTS: We have given advice in 58 cases inquiring the CZTIS about the risk of drug exposure during lactation. The most frequent queries were on chronic disease treatment following the drug exposure during pregnancy. Remaining cases were associated with acute infections. Mothers suffered from idiopathic bowel disease and psychiatric patients want to be informed before delivery about possibility to breastfeed their babies. Treatment of epilepsy, another frequent disease, is associated with better level of knowledge of both, neurologists and patients. Breastfeeding is recommended according to management in care of epileptic women. CONCLUSION: In our counselling we consider the factors which are involved in drug transfer in the milk and mechanisms and steps of transfer as well. We follow the classification of drugs during lactation by their effect on infants: absolutely contraindicated, temporary cessation of breastfeeding, drugs of special concern and drugs compatible with breastfeeding.

Czech Teratology Information Service Department of Histology and Embryology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic