Can you breastfeed while on steroids?

Breastfeeding While on Steroids: What You Need to Know
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant care, providing essential nutrients and antibodies to newborns. However, many mothers may find themselves needing to take medications, including steroids, during this period. This raises an important question: Can you breastfeed while on steroids?
Understanding Steroids
Steroids, particularly corticosteroids, are commonly prescribed for a variety of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and inflammation. They work by mimicking the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in the adrenal glands, helping to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response.
The Impact on Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding, the good news is that most corticosteroids are considered safe for use while nursing. Research suggests that the levels of these medications in breast milk are typically low, and they seldom pose a significant risk to a breastfeeding infant. However, the specific steroid, dosage, and duration of treatment can influence safety.
For instance, prednisone, a commonly prescribed corticosteroid, is often deemed compatible with breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies it as a “usually compatible” medication. This means that while it is not completely without risk, the potential benefits of breastfeeding generally outweigh the risks associated with the medication.
Consultation is Key
Despite the general consensus on steroid safety, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Individual circumstances can vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on the specific steroid prescribed, the mother’s health condition, and the infant’s needs.
Monitoring and Precautions
If a mother is prescribed steroids while breastfeeding, monitoring may be advised. This can include:
– Watching for side effects in both the mother and the infant. Common side effects in infants may include irritability or changes in feeding patterns.
– Timing the medication to minimize exposure during breastfeeding. For example, taking the medication just after a feeding can help reduce the amount passed to the baby during the next feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while many mothers may be concerned about the implications of taking steroids while breastfeeding, the evidence suggests that many corticosteroids are safe to use during this time. However, it is essential to have open discussions with healthcare providers to ensure the safety of both mother and child. With proper medical guidance, mothers can navigate their treatment options while continuing to provide the vital benefits of breastfeeding to their infants.

What are the side effects of steroids in pregnancy for the mother?

Commonly reported side-effects after taking steroids are: • Flushing of the mother’s face and chest. Some glucose appearing in the mother’s urine for a day or two. Some difficulty in getting off to sleep at night for one or two days. Some reduction in the baby’s movements for about 24 hours.

What are the side effects of steroids nursing?

Steroids Side Effects / Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy Adverse Effects

Affected Body Part	Side Effect
Cardiovascular	Potential increased risk of heart attack
Circulation	Increased blood pressure
Psychiatric (Mild)	Anxiety/insomnia/restlessness
Psychiatric (Severe)	Mania/depression/aggressiveness

Will steroids dry up my milk supply?

High doses might occasionally cause temporary loss of milk supply. Keeping the dose as low as possible will help limit the amount in the breast milk. Levels of prednisone or prednisolone in breast milk are likely to be highest about 1 to 2 hours after taking the medication.

Can I breastfeed if I got a steroid shot?

Methylprednisolone is probably suitable to use during breastfeeding as long as it is taken in low-moderate doses (do not exceed 80 mg daily). If high doses are needed pump and dump for 8-12 hours. A one time injection in your back will probably not effect your milk supply, but cannot say for sure everyone is different.

Are steroids safe to take while breastfeeding?

Prednisolone and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says that your baby is healthy, it’s OK to take prednisolone while breastfeeding. Prednisolone passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has been used for many years in breastfeeding women without side effects in their babies.

Do steroid injections affect baby?

No long-term harm has been shown although there have been no large studies. Some research suggests that there may be an impact on mental wellbeing later in life for babies born at full term (after 37 weeks) who were given steroids between 22 and 37 weeks.

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 prednisone make babies irritable?

One of the potential side effects of corticosteroid medicine is mood change, such as irritability, and this can lead to difficult behaviour in some children. When used short-term, it can increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels, causing some children to become hyperactive.

How long do I have to wait to breastfeed if I take a shot?

Delay pumping or breastfeeding your baby two hours for each alcoholic drink you consume.

What drugs can be passed through breast milk?

Most drug molecules, including alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, are small enough to enter milk. Exceptions are drugs with high molecular weights such as heparins and insulin.