Assessing the Drug Exposure Risk of Infants Breastfed by Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Detailed Summary

Breastfeeding is beneficial to both mother and baby. However, many breastfeeding women are affected by long-term health conditions and need to take medications. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is marked by an abnormal response of the body's immune system, and high levels of certain proteins that cause inflammation (Cytokines like Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha or TNF). A group of drugs called "biologics" target and stop these proteins from causing inflammation, and have been successfully used to treat this condition. Inflammatory proteins may be present in breast milk of healthy women in variable levels, and may play a role in development of infant's brain and immune system. This observational study is conducted to investigate: * Concentration of some of the inflammatory proteins in breast milk of mothers with IBD and healthy controls * Interaction between these proteins and biologics in breast milk of women with IBD * Potential role of these proteins (and their interaction with biologics) on development of infant learning and memory function It has been presumed that concentrations of TNF and some other cytokines are higher in breast milk of women with IBD, and the biologics can normalize these high levels. Note: Due to the pandemic, the study now consists of reduced number of study visits. The mandatory visits include two home visits in the first 4 months postpartum to complete a participant questionnaire and collect a small sample of breast milk at each visit. The optional study visits consist of two visits at the Hospital for Sick Children for evaluation of learning and memory function of the infant at the ages of 12 and 18 months. Additionally, mothers will be required to complete for their infant subscales of The Ages and Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ®-3) either in person or over the telephone at the ages of 12 months and 18 months.

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