Abortion/Breastfeed

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Expert: - 9/20/2011


Question
I have a 6 month old baby which i am breastfeeding, but yesterday i had a termination performed thru the aspiration i was 6 weeks pregnant
They used demerol to perform the surgery then when finished i was strictly told not to ever breastfeed my baby...... They said it is toxic. Does not make sense to me
Pls help
My breast r killing me n i have a sad baby :(

Answer
Hello, Jill,

I just found your question in the question pool. Let me know how things are going with both of you.

Demerol is a mild narcotic. It certainly wouldn't be good for your baby to get it. However, by now, your body should have eliminated it, so if you are breastfeeding, there shouldn't be any harm at this point. I have known babies who were deeply addicted to serious narcotics, who recovered completely. So I wouldn't expect any serious damage as a general rule, from Demerol.

It is never a good idea to have an abortion when you have a baby, because if the abortion harms you, who will take care of your baby? I hope everything went well, and that you were able to continue to breastfeed. There are far too many doctors who are far too ready to tell a mother not to breastfeed. The most they should have done is told you not to breastfeed for a couple of days.

Please let me know how you are doing. Take care.

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Pat G

Expertise

I can help women with the consideration of their decision, and with resources, and I can share my own experiences as the mother of seven and grandmother of eleven. My approach is to show love and concern, and help women work through the issues, emotional, spiritual, practical. I also help women deal with boyfriend and family issues. I am not a doctor, but I have done extensive medical research, so I may be able to help with information. I am female. When you write, if you are or were pregnant, please tell me how far along you were or are, and if you have had an abortion, please tell me what kind. Thank you.

Experience

I have been working with women who are considering abortion for several years. I also work with women who have had abortions. Our family has also experienced adoption, so I can talk about that as well.

Education/Credentials
I am mostly self-taught. I also studied midwifery for awhile. I have spent years doing research on this topic. In fact, I have been doing research and working in this area since the early 1970's. I have been helping women online for a few years, under the guidance of a woman who was formally training in counseling.

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