About this topic
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby. Breast milk has all the nutrients that your baby needs. It also helps protect your baby from diseases. It is important to take care of yourself so you can care for your baby. Learn about any medicines you may have to take while you are breastfeeding like: ‚
- Medicines your doctor may order
- Over the counter medicines
- Herbal or natural products
General
A drug or medicine you take will almost always be found in your breast milk. There may only be a small amount of the drug or there may be enough of the drug to harm your baby. Each drug is different. ‚
Tell your doctors you are breastfeeding before they order any medicines. Your doctor may want to: ‚
- Let you take drugs that are safe for you and your baby. Your doctor may suggest an over the counter drug that is a lower strength and does not last as long. You may still have relief from your signs, but your baby may have less exposure to the drug.
- Limit how much of the drug is in your breast milk. Your doctor may tell you to take your drugs right after you feed your baby.
- Let you know a drug can change how much milk you are making.
- Protect your baby from getting any of the drugs in your breast milk. This means you may need to stop breastfeeding while you are on the drug. You will want to be sure to use a breast pump to keep up your milk supply. You will need to throw away the milk after you pump since it may be harmful to your baby.
Your babys age and health are also important to think about when considering what drugs you are taking and how they affect your breast milk. Babies who are born early or are very sick may have more problems with even a small amount of a drug passed on from their mother through her breast milk. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
Watch your baby carefully if you start a new medicine while breastfeeding. Call the doctor if your baby has signs like: ‚
- More sleepy or more fussy
- Rash
- Change in eating habits
What problems could happen?
- You may make less breast milk which means less food for your baby.
- You may have to throw away your breast milk while taking a drug.
Where can I learn more?
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.org/baby/breastfeeding-and-medications-prescription-drugs.aspx ‚
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada ‚
http://sogc.org/publications/medications-and-drugs-while-breastfeeding/ ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-01-12 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Adult
- Healthy Living
- Neonatal
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚