When considering the risks of taking a particular medication while breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the nature of these risks, along with the risks of weaning. A physician will recommend weaning when uncertain about the effects of a drug in human milk. The when in doubt leave it out policy is common among healthcare providers, […]
Timing The Dosage
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for any information about the medicine that would help you time the dosage and the baby’s feedings to get the most medicine into you, but the least into your milk. If the medication is one that should be used with caution, it may help to take the medication right after […]
Pump & Dump
Some drugs (e.g., radioactive substances used in x-ray diagnostic procedures) require temporary weaning. If your doctor advises that you wait to nurse your baby until a potentially harmful drug is out of your system, pump your milk every 3-4 hours during the time you are not nursing and discard the milk. Meanwhile, use the “safe” […]
Talking With Your Health Professional About Medications
Good communication between you and your doctor is very important when considering questions about taking medications while breastfeeding. Both of you need good information from each other in order to make the best decisions for you and your baby. Be sure to inform your doctor that not only are you breastfeeding, but that this relationship […]
Taking Oral Contraceptives While Breastfeeding
Is it okay to take the birth control pill while breastfeeding? Yes, depending on which type of oral contraceptive it is. There are two areas of concern about taking birth control pills while breastfeeding: effects on milk production the possible effect of hormones on the baby. EFFECTS ON MILK PRODUCTION Some oral contraceptives contain both […]
Antibiotics and Cold Medicines
Antibiotics and Cold Medicines I get lots of colds during the winter months. Sometime they progress to bronchitis and I need antibiotics. What medicine can I safely take? All of the commonly used antibiotics as well as both prescription and over-the-counter cold remedies (decongestants, antihistamines, and cough remedies) are safe to take while breastfeeding. Even […]
Allergy Medicines While Breastfeeding
Can I Take Allergy Medicines While Breastfeeding? My allergies and asthma really get me down. What medicines can I safely take while I’m breastfeeding? When illnesses get you down, you’ll have a hard time maintaining a good milk supply and taking care of your baby. It’s good to do something about your symptoms, rather than […]
Analgesics
Is it okay to take medication for fever and aches and pains while breastfeeding? Yes, nearly all pain and fever-relieving medications are safe. Acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands) is the safest medication for relieving pain and fever, since only a tiny amount enters the breastmilk. Ibuprofen is also considered safe. Narcotic analgesics (codeine, Demerol, and […]
Dental Work, Anesthetics
I need to have some cavities filled. Is this safe to do while breastfeeding? Yes. Since only a tiny bit of local anesthetic is used, only an insignificant amount could get into your milk, so it is safe to breastfeed following a local anesthetic for dental work. Also, dental x-rays pose no problem to the […]
Herbs to Increase Milk Supply
Are herbal teas safe to drink while I’m breastfeeding? I’ve heard that some can even increase my milk supply. While the herbal teas that you find in your grocery store are not likely to have any medicinal effects, larger doses of other herbs should be used with caution. Remember that herbs are drugs. In fact, […]
6 Reasons Why To Continue To Breastfeed
It takes effort to keep up with breastfeeding when you must be away from your baby for part of the day, but there are good reasons for sticking with breastfeeding to begin with, your baby gets better nutrition and the two of you continue to enjoy a special closeness. There are also other practical benefits, […]
Working and Breastfeeding
Working and Breastfeeding is Nothing New Women have always worked and breastfed. The pioneer mother on the prairie had lots to do besides nurse her babies, and even modern mothers who are at home during the day struggle with the work of running busy households while responding to the needs of their infants. Combining working and […]