It’s been four months since the birth of your baby. You’re doing well, and so is he! You’re getting into a rhythm, and life is starting to feel a bit normal. You even have time for some self-care – maybe some visits to the gym, maybe an occasional massage, maybe a shower! But you’re wondering if it’s okay to have laser hair removal while breastfeeding.
Good luck. There’s no evidence to confirm that laser hair removal while breastfeeding poses any particular risks for the woman or her baby. Yet, most laser hair removal centers refuse the procedure to a breastfeeding woman. Those that will do the procedure usually ask for a doctor’s note.
So what are they thinking? What’s the harm of having it done while breastfeeding? Let’s back up and look at the big picture.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal works by a process called selective photothermolysis. That means that the laser light is used to heat up and selectively destroy the hair follicles on the skin.
Certainly, the light spectrum can be absorbed by the hair follicles and the skin. That might be uncomfortable for you – it’s a similar effect to a sunburn – but it doesn’t pose a risk to your baby. (And no one would ask you to get a doctor’s note before your trip to the beach, in spite of your exposure to light!)
Is breastfeeding a contraindication of laser therapy?
There are some contraindications to breastfeeding. Certain antibiotics and other drugs can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and laser light, hyperpigmentation (including suntan), hypopigmentation, and possibly other skin-related issues. (For example, having a suntan may increase the risk of blistering and pigment change.) But I’ve looked at several leading expert sources, and breastfeeding is never mentioned as a contraindication.
Are there any studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding?
No, there are no studies about laser hair removal and breastfeeding infants. Why would there be? There are no studies on the effects of a mother’s trip to a sunny beach on her breastfeeding infant, or – to think of another close-encounter of the mother’s skin with light – on blowing out the candles on a birthday cake! Yet two experiences/events are just as likely to cause harm to the breastfeeding baby as the laser treatment!
So what’s the hype?
Hyperpigmentation—During the childbearing cycle, hormones are more likely to cause hyperpigmentation of the skin (melasma). Hyperpigmentation may be an undesired effect in itself, but it also may cause some otherwise-invisible scarring to show.
Hair regrowth—It’s also possible that the hormones may cause the removed hair to grow back more quickly. It may be that it’s just not worth your while until you’re done breastfeeding.
Anesthetic—The other concern I’ve heard has to do with the topical anesthetic that is used in conjunction with laser therapy. There’s a chance that it may cause an allergic reaction for you, or for your baby.
The bottom line on laser hair removal while breastfeeding
There are no studies showing a risk of having laser hair removal while breastfeeding. The hype is more about the possible risks, or the waste of time and money. Want to get this done, anyway? Talk with your doctor.
Have you had laser hair removal while breastfeeding? Tell me about your experience in the comments below!
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Multiple test-takers have told me they had “trouble” answering the IBLCE Exam’s pharm/tox questions. I’ve heard this from both first-time candidates and from those who are re-certifying. To give some guidance for everyone, here are my top tips for handling pharmacology/toxicology questions.
1. Understand the rudiments of pharmacokinetics
True, you need to know what common drugs do to the body (pharmacodynamics). But few people understand the rudiments of pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics is what the body does to the drug.
More often than not, risk/benefit depends on a fundamental understanding of half-life, protein-binding, molecular size, milk-to-plasma ratio, and more. So at least know the definition of many terms related to pharmacokinetics, and their effect on the breastfed infant.
2. Know your role — and its limitations
The IBLCE has never said that you can or should make the risk/benefit decision about safety of a drug for mother — or her breastfed baby. To the contrary; it’s fairly clear that determining risk/benefit is not within the IBCLC’s Scope of Practice. I might argue that even the primary care provider — who is legally authorized to prescribe — should not have the “last word” on risk/benefit. The client should have the final say on risk/benefit!
For the client to be empowered in that way, the IBCLC must understand factors that affect risk/benefit (hello, pharmacokinetics!) and, if necessary, be ready to discuss those factors with providers (using professional terms) or patients (using lay terms). The IBCLC’s role is to give information, not advice. Knowledge is necessary but not sufficient. Whether you teach, counsel, or advocate, you’ll need superior communication skills.
Giving reassurance about a drug that has already been prescribed for the mother is okay, if you know it will not affect the safety or volume of her milk.
3. Know indications and basic side effects
For pharm/tox questions, you need to know why a drug would be prescribed or used, how it might affect the milk (e.g., discolors the milk), how it might affect the baby’s behavior (lethargy?), or the mother’s ability to feed or care for her infant.
4. Know your social and recreational drugs
Alcohol, caffeine, and other substances are “fair game” for the IBLCE Exam. Know the basics of drugs that have adverse effects, especially substances that are abused.
5. Brush up on environmental toxins
Okay, I agree, this is a tough one. But environmental toxins, such as mercury, lead, pesticides, or perchloroethylene or other environmental toxins are fair game pharm/tox questions.
6. Learn all you can about galactagogues
Galactagogues are substances that are thought to increase milk supply. These differ from one culture to another. Teas made from certain herbs, foods, drinks (including alcohol and beer), and pharmaceutical preparations all qualify as galactagogues. They would certainly be part of the pharm/tox questions.
7. Learn all you can about milk suppressants
While one dose of over-the-counter drugs like pseudoephedrine or diphenhydramine aren’t likely to dry up milk, repeated doses could. Most mothers don’t think of mint as a milk suppressant, but in large quantities, it could be, because mint is part of the sage family. Sage is well-known for its milk-suppressant effects.
However, a peppermint patty is not a problem. An Altoid or two is fine, but eating the whole box in one day could substantially suppress supply.
8. Identify drugs that have a potentially lethal effect on the infant
Years ago, I probably when asked about pharm/tox questions, I would have said, “identify drugs that are contraindicated when nursing.” Nowadays, the emphasis is on weighing risk/benefit in individual cases, rather than lumping “contraindicated” drugs into one category.
That said, two categories are particularly concerning. If a mother needs cytotoxic drugs (cancer drugs) or radiopharmaceutical substances, it is likely she will be required to wean or temporarily interrupt breastfeeding.
You should also be ware of illicit drugs, including marijuana, and the effects on breastfeeding.
9. Know trade names and generic names of medications
The IBLCE Exam uses trade names, not generic names. I suggest you think of 50 of the most commonly-used medications, and then try to match them with their generic names.
10. Remember, it’s the smallest percentage of the IBLCE Exam
This year, I made a pie chart showing the percentages of all questions on the Detailed Content Outline. Pharm/tox questions comprise the smallest section of the exam — only 7 percent of the total test items.
So I’m not suggesting that you blow it off. But don’t spend a disproportionate amount of time on it because pharm/tox questions aren’t the majority of the exam, and don’t lose too much sleep over it.
If you use these 10 tips while you study, I think you’ll be just fine! I offer Drills in the 7 Disciplines to aid you in your studies!
How are you preparing for the pharm/tox questions? If you’ve taken the exam, what did you find helpful in preparing for the pharm/tox questions? Tell me in the comments below.
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Over the years heard plenty of myths about becoming a lactation consultant. Some are understandable; others are outlandish. From people all over the world, here are some myths I want to dispel about becoming a lactation consultant.
1. You have to be a nurse to become an IBCLC
No, no, no, a resounding NO! You do not need to be a nurse to become an IBCLC. I don’t know the number or percentage of IBCLC candidates who are not nurses, but there are plenty — I’ve met hundreds of them!
2. You can take the exam any time
No, that’s not possible. IBLCE offers the exam only twice a year in the United States, and only once a year in some other countries. This means that you need to plan ahead.
Some people think they can just go online and sign up tonight and take the exam a few days later. No, it’s doesn’t work that way at all!
I don’t work for IBLCE, so check ibce.org as you begin planning.
3. You only need to complete your requirements before the exam, not before you apply
Oh, I hear this all the time. But no, that’s not true.
You must complete all requirements before you apply for the exam. Since the time between when you apply and when you take the exam is usually around 5 months, you need to plan ahead.
Let’s say you want to take the exam this coming fall. You’ll need to apply for the exam in the spring.
4. To be eligible, you must take a LEAARC-approved course
No, courses are not required to be approved by the Lactation Education Accreditation and Approval Committee (LEAARC). Anyone who has racked up 95 hours of breastfeeding training — of any kind — is eligible to sit for the exam.
The end goal is to PASS the exam!
5. You can complete your requirements in less than 6 months
Well, maybe! It depends on how much of the requirement you’ve already met when you decide to pursue the credential!
For example, when I decided to earn my IBCLC certification, I had already accrued thousands and thousands of hours while taking care of breastfeeding mothers and babies. And, I had already completed all of my health sciences courses. So, the only thing I had to complete was my lactation specific training.
6. You need to have an IBCLC mentor when accruing your clinical hours
Maybe. If you are qualifying through Pathway 1, you do not need to have an IBCLC supervise your hours.
7. To become an IBCLC, you just need to be able to help with positioning and latch
This is a giant myth!
When people call and tell me they’ve failed the exam, they explain how shocked they were that the exam was more than just positioning and latch for well babies! They were in no way prepared to answer questions about pharmacokinetics, biochemistry, environmental toxins, and various other issues that happen around the globe.
Lesson to learn: Whenever you take ANY exam, know the depth and breadth of what will be covered. To me, the only way you could possibly have a glimpse of that is to take a comprehensive lactation course.
8. You get your 95 hours, and you’ll pass the IBCLC exam
It’s not quite that simple. You certainly do need to complete your 95 hours of lactation specific education. But will that be enough? Maybe. But I have found that most IBCLC candidates need to study before and after they earn those 95 hours. That’s why we offer study packages and online courses.
9. You can pass the test if you’re a clinical expert in your field
I distinctly remember a woman who said, “I’ve been a mother-baby nurse for 27 years. I’m sure I don’t need a comprehensive course.” She failed the exam.
I’ve heard similar stories, many times.
10. Once you’re an IBCLC, you’ve learned nearly all you need to know
Oh. Not so. I’ve been an IBCLC for more than 25 years, and I learn something new almost every day! While I have a voracious appetite for reading research, I’ve also learned a ton from guests on my podcast.
There are probably more myths about becoming a lactation consultant, but these are the ones I’ve heard most frequently. In addition to knowing the “myths,” I’d like to suggest that you generate some critically important questions.
Becoming a lactation consultant takes some planning and hard work. But it absolutely can be done!
Let me know what else I can do to help you start your journey to becoming a lactation consultant by contacting my office or sharing your thoughts in the comments below!
