{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Momcozy Village - Together We Grow","title":"To Take or Not to Take: How To Navigate Medications, Substances, and Breastfeeding with Dr. Fran","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1373,"description":"August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and this year’s theme from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action is Create Sustainable Support Systems. This call extends beyond supporting mothers; it’s about nurturing the entire family throughout the feeding journey.In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Dr. Fran, OB-GYN, mom of three, and powerhouse educator known for her clear, evidence-based health guidance online. Together, they explore one of the most confusing and pressing topics for new parents: medications and substances while breastfeeding.Dr. Fran explains why so much available guidance feels conflicting and how a historical lack of research has led to overly cautious recommendations, such as “pump and dump.” She breaks down the latest evidence on alcohol, THC, caffeine, antibiotics, antidepressants, anesthesia, and more, giving parents a realistic, science-backed understanding of what is safe, what to avoid, and how to make confident, informed decisions.Reflecting on her clinical work and her parenting journey, Dr. Fran stresses the importance of treating lactation as part of a parent’s medical history, not an afterthought. The conversation also explores cultural wisdom, the pressures of “doing everything right,” and finding balance between intuition and evidence-based care.Episode Highlights00:46 – Why is there so much conflicting information on medications and substances?03:53 – Are there ‘safe’ amounts of alcohol and THC?06:08 – What about caffeine?06:58 – Medication and breastfeeding myths.09:49 – Dr. Fran’s recommended apps for patients.10:24 – Resources for healthcare workers.11:23 – Which medications are safe while breastfeeding?13:20 – Why are some practitioners overly cautious?15:13 – Talking to family, friends, and partners about medication and breastfeeding.16:49 – Where do cultural wisdom and medicine meet?20:28 – Questions to ask your OB-GYN about medications and...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/FiA34-toSWr8WSZuvdrIJsmEa4G-l9FYDyTVjbkxLjs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iMzUz/M2UxYTEzZDAzZTUw/N2ZiYmVjZDQxMWY2/ZjI3NS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}