The lactation consultant has just received a call from her breastfeeding client who is overseas on vacation with the infant. The mother tells the lactation consultant that she has “traveler’s diarrhea” from contaminated water. What should the lactation consultant recommend to this mother, in addition to increasing the frequency of breastfeeding?
Explanation
Answer: D - In addition to increasing the frequency of breast feeding, the lactation consultant should recommend that the mother rehydrate and take a loperamide medication like Imodium or Maalox. Bismuth subsalicylates, like Pepto-Bismol, may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome in the infant because they contain salicylates, which can be passed in the mother’s milk, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Loperamide medications, like Imodium and Maalox, and kaolin-pectin (Kaopectate) are considered safe during lactation.
