Hi Everyone,
My name is Melissa. I have Ulcerative Colitis. I just had a baby boy in October of 08 and I am breastfeeding. I ran across Jini's books because I just started flaring in December. I am so nervous and frustrated because of the flare, meds, ect. Anyway I read about the implant enema and tried it. I then got a book by Dr. Hale, Medications and Mothers Milk. I was looking through it and noticed that Comfrey Powder was on the list of meds to never ever use during breastfeeding, but I read in Jini's book that Herbal Literature states that all the ingredients in the implant should be safe. So I am wondering what literature there is that I could read about these ingredients and the safety of breastfeeding. I am just nervous because I was told my prescription meds were safe by doctors and no one every mentioned that the dose should be taken into consideration (which the doctors did not they just told me that it was okay!) anyway I have just been given so much conflicting information lately that I want to take matters (research) into my own hands and decide from there. Thank you for any help that you can give.

Also, any stories of women who have breastfeed and used the implant enema would really be appreciated. I just would really like to know what others experiences have been.

P.S. Aloe was also on his list of no no's I was shocked and became more anxiety ridden because I drink that too. My son's doctor even said that it was okay (more conflicting information):( Like I said please share any experiences you've had good or bad but of course I am hoping and praying to hear good.

Thank you,
Melissa

Thank you I would appreciate their response as well

Hi, Melissa.

I'm sorry it's taken me a few days to reply to you. Babies are so precious and I'm sure you're anxious!

Jini has used George's 'Always Active' aloe vera juice during her pregnancies and while breastfeeding - but only this brand. She also knows numerous women who've used George's aloe vera juice successfully during pregnancy. However, as she points out in Listen to Your Gut, there's no 'published' information available on the safety of George's Aloe Vera Juice during pregnancy, so you need to use your own discretion when deciding whether or not to use it.

I really can't give you a definite answer regarding Jini's Healing Implant Enema. There aren't any published studies I'm aware of regarding comfrey during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. (Who would fund them?) However, if it were me (as with the aloe vera juice, you need to use your own discretion as far as whether to use it yourself), I'd be asking myself the same question Jini poses regarding wild oregano oil:

When faced with antibiotics or steroids as the alternative, do you feel Wild Oregano will do less harm than these potent drugs? Consult your naturopathic physician for more guidance or information and if you decide to take it whilst pregnant or breastfeeding, stay under your physician's care and supervision, and please post your results...so that others can benefit from your experience.

I'll also share an excerpt from Rosemary Gladstar's book, The Family Herbal. Rosemary Gladstar is a respected herbalist and teacher of herbalists. (Granted, she is not talking about pregnancy or breastfeeding here, although she IS talking about including comfrey in a tea...which would involve greater absorption than a localised, albeit internal, application.)

There is a current, as yet unresolved controversy surrounding the use of comfrey for internal purposes. Generally, I no longer recommend comfrey internally for others, though I continue to use it myself abundantly. In the case of hernias, because of its extreme usefulness in healing torn or damaged tissue, I am braving the wrath of the herbal community and including it in the formula. Please educate yourself as to the controvery, and make up your own mind.

I know I'm not giving you any hard and fast answer, because I really don't have one to give. But I hope that this helps, nonetheless.

All the best,
Nicole

Thank you Nicole for getting back to me. Although I did not the specific yes or no answers from you I did get some good information to think about. I think my next step will be to try and find a Neuropath. So far this has been so difficult to find someone in my area who I can trust. Thank you again for your help.I will keep the group updated.


Melissa