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Can I take gas medicine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Gas Medicine and Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing discomfort from gas while breastfeeding, many mothers wonder about the safety of various medications. Gas relief medications, particularly those containing simethicone, are commonly used to alleviate bloating and discomfort. The good news is that these medications are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Safety of Simethicone
Simethicone is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter gas relief products, such as Gas-X and Mylicon. According to health resources, simethicone is not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, which means it is unlikely to affect breast milk or pose a risk to a nursing infant. This makes it a popular choice for mothers seeking relief from gas without compromising their breastfeeding routine.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
While simethicone is deemed safe, it’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to approach any medication with caution. The general guideline is to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter options. This is particularly important because some medications can potentially reduce milk supply or have other unintended effects.
Other Considerations
In addition to simethicone, many other medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it’s crucial to be aware of what to avoid. For instance, certain pain relievers and cold medications may not be suitable during breastfeeding. Always check with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about the safety of a specific medication.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re a breastfeeding mother dealing with gas discomfort, medications containing simethicone are generally safe to use. However, as with any medication, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider to ensure that your choice aligns with your health needs and those of your baby. This proactive approach will help you manage your symptoms effectively while maintaining peace of mind about your breastfeeding journey.

What gas medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Although no data are available on the use of simethicone during breastfeeding, it is known that simethicone is not absorbed orally. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to breastmilk. It is also used safely in breastfed infants. [1,2] No special precautions are required.

How long does postpartum gas last?

Postpartum gas should only last a few days, but if you notice it lasting longer, you have pain with pooping or hemorrhoids, consider scheduling with a pelvic PT to assess what may be the root cause for you.

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.

Does mother’s gas pass through breast milk?

Other people believe acidic foods and dairy products in the mother’s diet can increase gas for babies. After all, these foods can have that effect on adults who have eaten them, right? However the elements of those foods that make them considered “gassy” for the person consuming them don’t pass through breast milk.

Is Gasx pregnancy safe?

Benjamin assures that simethicone, the active ingredient in Gas-X and other gas relievers—is generally safe to take during pregnancy (and even when breastfeeding) to relieve gas pain in pregnancy. In fact, simethicone is the same active ingredient in many infant gas relief medications, like Mylicon.

What anti gas medication is safe for pregnancy?

The following products are typically safe to take for gas relief during pregnancy: Simethicone (Gas X): This medication helps ease gas and bloating by breaking up bubbles in your stomach and intestines. Simethicone isn’t absorbed by your GI tract, making it safe to use in pregnancy.

Can I use Preparation H while breastfeeding?

Products to treat haemorrhoids can be used by breastfeeding mothers without affecting breastfeeding. The absorption of the ingredient drugs from the rectum will not produce significant levels in breastmilk and can be used as necessary for the mother’s comfort (morning and night and after bowel motions).

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.

Which gastric medicine is safe during breastfeeding?

Any PPI can be used during breastfeeding, however omeprazole and pantoprazole are the PPIs of choice as they are excreted into breast milk in very small amounts and have evidence to support their use. Any PPI that passes into breast milk is likely to be degraded in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract.

How do I get rid of gas while breastfeeding?

Relieving Gassy Babies

  1. Burp twice. Try to coax two burps out of your baby instead of just one.
  2. Sit upright. Hold your baby in an upright position while burping.
  3. Tummy time. Laying your baby on their tummy will help to push gas out.
  4. Bicycle exercises.
  5. Massage the tummy.
  6. Adjust baby’s latch.
Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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