Doxycycline while BF?

[bighouse]

I have a 3.5 month old who is exclusively breastfed since birth. Unfortunately I was just diagnosed with Lyme disease and was told by several doctors I need immediate treatment. The drug of choice is doxycycline (which is the only effective option, since I am allergic to penicillins). The literature is mixed regarding whether or not it is safe to take while breastfeeding, and my family doc refused to prescribe due to risks of bone and teeth problems for baby. However my obgyn and pediatrician say it is ok for short term while breastfeeding (and they prescribed it). It is definitely not allowed during pregnancy or for young children due to interfering with development of bones, cartilage, and teeth. So I wonder why it is ok during breastfeeding? But I was told it is because the amount that typically passes into milk isn't enough to cause harm.

I'm still nervous. If it is known to cause harm to children's development, why would I allow her to drink milk contaminated with any of the drug at all?

But I also feel strongly about the benefits of breastfeeding. I planned on nursing her well over a year (two if she didn't self wean before then). Also there is a high probability she will be our only biological child (and thus only opportunity to ever nurse) due to severe complications during her pregnancy and birth. I really do not want to end our nursing relationship after only 3 months.

I know there are other options should I need them (such as donor milk, formula supplementation, etc) but none are particularly appealing. I have some of my pumped milk frozen, but not enough for the entire length of treatment. I thought about maybe doing 70% breast and 30% frozen supply just to decrease the amount of the drug she is getting? I can also try to time our feedings at the breast away from the time when the concentration of the drug would be the highest in my milk (lac med gives this info). I've already checked lac med and they say despite older research saying to avoid while breastfeeding, newer research says it is ok for a low dose short term.

I'm also concerned about her refusing the breast if she gets too used to bottles, or gets only bottles during my treatment.

I'm just trying to get advice about taking the doxycycline. Refusing or delaying my treatment are not options due to the severity of the disease. Have any of you taken it while breastfeeding? If you were in my shoes what would you do?

 

[Shandelion]

I have Lyme, and have had amoxicillin for a relapse while breastfeeding. The doctors were never willing to consider doxy, and the necessary treatment time is NOT short term! Three weeks is not a short term antibiotic for breastfeeding a little one! I remember there being another option besides amoxicillin and doxy. ..are you SURE they researched and understand the importance? In my experience across California and Massachusetts I have yet to find a doctor who knows what they're talking about, with regards to Lyme or breastfeeding! One doctor couldn't even read the Western Blot Test, I had to interpret the results for him. Make sure you find someone whose opinion you can trust with pediatrics AND Lyme.

If you need someone to relate to, I can chat, too. It's a hard position. I dearly value breastfeeding, but I don't think I'd breastfeed and take doxy.