Evidence-based prescribing and medication safety in breastfeeding with pharmacist Rachel Pilgrim

In this episode of the Clinical Update podcast, MIMS Learning deputy editor Rhiannon talks to pharmacist Rachel Pilgrim about the impact of medication on breastfeeding cessation. Rachel describes how her own experience inspired her research into this area, and discusses how primary care can support patients with consistent, evidence-based information (and where to find this):

‘Medicines shouldn't be a barrier to breastfeeding but ... uncertainty, conflicting guidelines, conservative licensing, and probably patchy training as well, creates a huge amount for prescribers and mums to navigate.’

The discussion covers the public health importance of breastfeeding, physiological factors influencing drug transfer into breast milk, and the relationship between health inequalities and breastfeeding. 

Educational objectives

After listening to this podcast, healthcare professionals should be better able to:

• Explain the public health importance of breastfeeding and recall the WHO recommendation for breastfeeding to 2 years and beyond
• Note UK breastfeeding rates and how these compare with global statistics
• Identify physiological factors that influence drug transfer into breast milk
• Understand the relationship between health inequalities and breastfeeding

You can access the website version of this podcast, along with a list of key learning points, on MIMS Learning - and make notes for your appraisal. MIMS Learning offers hundreds of hours of CPD for healthcare professionals, along with a handy CPD organiser.

Please note: this podcast is presented by medical editors and discusses educational content written or presented by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the MIMS Learning website and at live events.

Key prescribing resources:

• MIMS
• Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk
• The Breastfeeding Network
• UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service 
• e-lactancia
• LactMed
• Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)

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