Presentation Information

Seizing the day, Supporting Women with Epilepsy to Breastfeed

• Speaker: Pauline Mc Loughlin , RN RM IBCLC Birth Trauma Resolution Therapist
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

This presentation will address some misconceptions around breastfeeding, epilepsy and medication. Human milk is the optimal first food for almost every baby. However there appears to be a knowledge gap amongst Health Care Professionals (HCP) regarding anti-epileptic drugs- (AED) and breastfeeding. Consequently, they are less likely to initiate a discussion around breastfeeding. Women with epilepsy have their own fears and anxieties about their role as a parent and their ability to feed their baby safely and effectively. As a result, they are less likely to initiate breastfeeding or feed for extended periods of time. However, research has shown that most AED are safe with breastfeeding and breastfeeding has well known benefits for mother and child. Epilepsy presents unique challenges in the perinatal period including sleep deprivation stress, infection and anxiety which may be risk factors for break through seizures. The presentation will address how HCP can counsel women with epilepsy regarding the safety and benefits of breastfeeding while continuing to take AEDs. Learn concrete solutions to the challenges that women with epilepsy face, including supportive measures to protect their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and to protect the breastfeeding dyad.