Can I take acetaminophen while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Acetaminophen While Breastfeeding?
When it comes to managing pain or fever during breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of various medications, particularly acetaminophen, commonly known by the brand name Tylenol. The good news is that acetaminophen is generally considered safe for nursing mothers.
Safety and Recommendations
According to health experts, acetaminophen is a suitable choice for analgesia (pain relief) and fever reduction in breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that the amounts of acetaminophen that pass into breast milk are significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants. This means that the risk of adverse effects on the breastfeeding infant is minimal.
Dr. Cindy Rubin, a pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist, emphasizes that it is “perfectly safe to use Tylenol while breastfeeding,” provided that mothers adhere to the recommended dosages. Overuse can lead to serious health risks, including liver damage, so it is crucial to follow dosage guidelines.
Impact on Breastfeeding
Interestingly, studies have shown that administering acetaminophen in conjunction with ibuprofen on a fixed schedule for 24 hours after vaginal delivery can actually increase breastfeeding rates. This suggests that not only is acetaminophen safe, but it may also support the breastfeeding process during the early postpartum period.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are a breastfeeding mother in need of pain relief or fever reduction, acetaminophen is a safe option. Always remember to use it responsibly and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if you are considering taking other medications alongside it. Your health and the well-being of your baby are paramount, and with the right information, you can make informed choices that support both.

How much acetaminophen can I take while breastfeeding?

What pain medications are safe during breastfeeding? To help relieve your pain, it’s safe to take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650-1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours (but no more than 4000 mg – or 8 extra-strength pills – per day) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) 400-600 mg every 6 hours.

What can I take for a headache while breastfeeding?

Women with migraine may be concerned about breastfeeding due to fears of exposing the baby to medication. However, many medications can be safely taken during breastfeeding, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), and sumatriptan (Imitrex).

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

Can I take Tylenol Extra Strength while pregnant?

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is considered the safest painkiller to take during pregnancy. Yes, you can take Extra-Strength (500 mg) Tylenol during pregnancy, but don’t take more than 6 caplets (3,000 mg) in 24 hours unless your doctor advises you to. Yes, you can take the proper dose of Tylenol any time during pregnancy.

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

Medical Contraindications for Breastfeeding
There are a few medical contraindications to breastfeeding, and these include: An infant who has the metabolic disorder of classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency). A mother living with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type I or type II.

What medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include:

• codeine phosphate.
• decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow.
• some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.
• aspirin for pain relief.

Does Tylenol decrease milk supply?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

Can I drink my wife’s breast milk?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.

Is ibuprofen or Tylenol safer for breastfeeding?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).