Breastfeeding & Medicines

🍼💊 Wondering if it’s safe to take medications while breastfeeding?

Will the medicines I take affect my baby?

Most medicines are safe to take while you are breastfeeding. The amount that gets into the breast milk is usually very small and not harmful for a breastfeeding baby. But some medicines are not safe to take while breastfeeding. In that case, you might need to stop taking the medicine or switch to a different one.

Can the medicines I take affect my milk supply?

There are a few medicines that can affect your supply. This means that they can cause your body to make less breast milk. But most medicines do not affect supply.

What should I know about specific medicines and breastfeeding?

Lots of medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. But this will depend on the specific medicine you take and the dose you need. It might also depend on your baby’s age, weight, and health.

Some things you should know:

If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor, nurse, or lactation consultant if you plan to breastfeed. They can tell you if the medicine is OK to keep taking. In some cases, they might suggest switching to a different medicine while you are breastfeeding. Do not stop taking any medicines suddenly without your doctor’s approval.
If there is a new medicine you want to use, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you can take it while breastfeeding. Read all labels carefully. Never take more than the recommended dose.
If any doctor prescribes a medicine for you, tell them that you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Newborns and babies that were born early (premature) are more likely to be affected by medicines than older babies.

What are my options if I need to temporarily stop breastfeeding?

In some cases, a person needs to take medicine that is not safe for a breastfeeding baby. An example of this is chemotherapy for cancer treatment. If you need to take one of these medicines, you might choose to:

Plan ahead by pumping and storing milk before you start treatment.
Use a breast pump to keep up your milk supply while you can’t breastfeed, and throw that milk away.
Switch to formula feeding.

What about drugs and alcohol?

Doctors recommend that people who breastfeed do not use illegal drugs, which are harmful for a baby. Cannabis is legal in some places, but should be avoided if you are breastfeeding. There are studies suggesting that it could cause problems in babies. Do not smoke marijuana or use other cannabis products, such as “edibles,” if you are breastfeeding.

Many people also wonder about alcohol and breastfeeding. If you drink, some alcohol does pass through your breast milk to your baby. After you have 1 drink, it takes about 2 hours for your body to get rid of the alcohol. Because of this, most doctors recommend avoiding or limiting drinking if you are breastfeeding. That might mean having only an occasional drink (less than 1 a day) with no more alcohol than the amount in a single glass of wine. They also recommend waiting 2 hours after having a drink before you breastfeed.

Useful Resource

The LactMed Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), produced by the National Library of Medicine, is a free, authoritative reference for lactation compatibility for prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This resource provides data on potential adverse effects on breastfeeding infants and lactation, case reports of infant exposures, and recommendations for alternative medications.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a rewarding experience that can coexist with medication use when approached cautiously. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any medications you’re considering or currently taking. Your health is just as important as your baby’s!

Reference: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/breastfeeding-parental-education-and-support?search=breastfeeding%20medicine&sectionRank=1&usage_type=default&anchor=H366039609&source=machineLearning&selectedTitle=1~150&display_rank=1#H366039609

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