New Resource for health care professionals

The new resource for health care professionals described in the sidebar of this commentary is a joint project of Motherisk and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Order forms for the print edition, along with a printable pdf file will be available at www.camh.net soon.

Health Care Providers can register for the webinars that will accompany this text at www.camh.net now, specifically at www.camh.net/education/Online_courses_webinars/safe_baby_webinars.html

In the 'Related Links' section on the right side of the above page is "Is It Safe For My Baby?: Risks and recommendations for the use of medication, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding." This resource gives information about the relative risk and safety of prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs, along with alcohol, tobacco and other substances to the unborn baby (fetus) when the mother is pregnant and the baby when breastfeeding. It also provides women with recommendations to discuss with their health care provider.

Thanks to the authors of the commentary for a practical, thorough review of the issues surrounding the use of antidepressants in pregnancy. As a Drug Information Pharmacist working in psychiatry, I too have received an increased volume of calls on this subject, including stories similar to the one described here.

Thank you. Wende Wood, R.Ph., B.A., B.S.P., B.C.P.P.