Personally Authored Forum Topic: Parasite Symptoms While Breastfeeding

Two years ago, I began my serious journey to optimum health. I had just experienced a pregnancy miscarriage due to low progesterone and the loss of my twin daughters at 25 weeks gestation due to Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Before I go on, you need to know that my grief is under control, and that is not an issue (and No, that is not denial!J) My body was weak from 6 weeks of bed rest and a rough pregnancy. I began eating well, walking daily, and taking a series of great vitamin supplements. I have continued this lifestyle for the past two years. In between the two years, I became pregnant (had a rough but not Horrible pregnancy) and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I’ve continued the healthy life style, and by this point in my journey, if you knew me and the details in between, you would think I should be living in a clear state of optimum health. But I am not. These are my problems:

I was diagnosed with Severe Anemia. I focused on quality iron supplementation for three months and the tests show that I am back in the normal range. I cannot maintain a good mood balance without antidepressants (Paxil 10mg). From research I know that I have low Serotonin and above average Dopamine. My whole body is in a state of chronic pain (muscle and skeletal). This can be managed as long as I take my supplements, but even with them, the pain seeps through (especially after laying down or sleeping). I have managed to lose several pounds. But I can’t seem to lose the weight in my belly section. I have stomach pains throughout the day. I still struggle with constipation even after eating over the RDA of fiber every day. I have to deal with gas and bloating, as well as what I thought were hemorrhoid symptoms. I also struggle with very strong sweets cravings especially in the evenings.

Let me get to the point: After studying the Toxicity section of Modular 1, I am afraid that I have some form of a parasite and that it is blocking the absorption of all of the nutrients that I am trying to feed my body. The WORST part about it all is that I am breastfeeding my 11 month old baby. I would simply stop breastfeeding him and do a cleanse, but he still would prefer to nurse around three feedings each day as well as at night. Technically, he is old enough to wean, but I take feeding him breast milk Very Seriously and I won’t wean him until I know for sure that it is the best thing to do. The next problem is that I am ready to become pregnant again. But I really want to feel better (probably do a cleanse) before I get pregnant again. I am hoping for your quality help and suggestions!!

FORUM RESPONSE:

Hi MammaBaron

Congratulations on continuing to breastfeed and "taking it seriously". As I lactation consultant and a searcher for optimum health myself, I hope I can assist you with some of your health issues. 1. Have you actually been tested for parasites? Seeing that you are breastfeeding and it may be challenge to treat for parasites, it may be helpful to get a stool sample evaluated so you know for sure. I did some research on antiparasitic treatment and found a natural antiparasitic treatment called Vitaklenz, but its absolute safety during breastfeeding could not be supported by the manufacturers unfortunately. I am mentioning it however, because it may be an option in the future for your child- may be used for 2 years and older.
See http://vitaklenzforkidz.com/vitaklenz4kids.htm for more information.

I did, however, find a great article from the Journal of Human Lactation, in which Porto states that amongst the 5 most common anthelmintics, invermectin in the only one reviewed by the American Academy of Pediatrics as safe during lactation. It is suggested that exposure can be minimized by taking the drug before the longest sleep interval for the infant. A word of caution: invermectin is contra-indicated for liver disease. Porto, I. 2003. Antiparasitic drugs and lactation: focus on anthelmintics, scabicides, and pediculicides. J Hum Lact. Nov; 19(4):421-5. 2. In regards to mood disorders- I would encourage you to consider researching further on 5 HTP. A wonderful resource I would like to share with you is http://www.womentowomen.com/ the following is an excerpt: "Serotonin is synthesized in the brain and the digestive tract, which is also the source of its precursors. This is yet another reason why what you eat and how well you digest are crucial to how you feel! L–tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in food and supplements, is converted in your body into 5–hydroxytryptophan (5–HTP), and then into 5–hydroxytryptamine ( 5–HT), which is the chemical name for serotonin".
From http://www.womentowomen.com/depressionanxietyandmood/antidepressants.aspx
3. Please also consider supplements of omega 3 fatty acids if you are not already taking one "Nordic Naturals" is a quality reliable supplement. Please also consider a supplement of Vitamin D3 1000-2000 IU daily see http://www.grassrootshealth.org/ for more information.
There is an article by Bruce Hollis entitled "Vitamin D Requirements during Pregnancy and Lactation" http://www.grassrootshealth.org/_download/Hollis%20GrassrootsHealth.pdf
I hope you find this helpful. Best wishes Sharon
- Sharon Johnson HHP student

MY RESPONSE:

Hi Sharon, Thank you so much for your clear and detailed answer and suggestions. I am actually waiting for the results of a stool sample as well as some blood tests from my doctor. I will follow up here with the results. I am also going to find a practitioner who can do a hair and live blood cell analysis for me. I will follow up with those as well. Thank you again!
Lena HHP Student