Pediatria pre prax 2/2016

Domperidone – „a lactation-enhancing drug“ – risks for breastfeeding mothers, their competencies and attachment to children

Lactation counselling has long been well established in the Czech Republic, helping mothers to overcome breastfeeding difficulties. However, when providing advice, a lot of lactation consultants rely on personal experience rather than evidence-based medicine and the knowledge of fostering attachment between mother and child. In order to promote milk production (frequently referred to as "milk flow" by mothers and consultants), lactation consultants trained by the Mamila civil society organisation recommend the use of a drug with the active ingredient domperidone (Motilium in the Czech Republic; Costi in Slovakia). The article focuses on the effect of using domperidone to increase lactation, the risk of developing an addiction, and the overall effect on the breastfeeding woman and the breastfed child.

Keywords: breastfeeding, domperidone, lactation counselling, attachment – a strong affectional bond, addiction