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Can you put baby medicine in breast milk?

Can You Put Baby Medicine in Breast Milk?
When it comes to the health and well-being of infants, especially those who are exclusively breastfed, parents often seek guidance on the safety of administering medications. A common question arises: Can you put baby medicine in breast milk? The answer is nuanced and requires careful consideration of both the medication in question and the potential effects on the baby.
Understanding Breastfeeding and Medication Safety
Breast milk is renowned for its unique composition, providing essential nutrients that are easily absorbed by a baby’s developing body. However, when it comes to medications, the situation becomes more complex. While many medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, the transfer of these substances into breast milk can vary significantly depending on the drug’s properties.
According to health guidelines, most commonly used medications are relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers. The amount of medication that passes into breast milk is typically small, often much less than the doses that would be administered directly to infants. This means that, in many cases, a nursing mother can take certain medications without posing a significant risk to her baby.
Specific Considerations for Baby Medicine
When considering whether to mix baby medicine with breast milk, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals. Some medications are specifically formulated for infants and may be safe to administer directly. However, the practice of mixing these medications with breast milk is not universally recommended. The primary concern is that the effectiveness of the medication could be altered, or the baby might not consume the full dose if they do not finish the breast milk.
For instance, medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are often deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers, but they should be taken as directed and not mixed with breast milk unless advised by a healthcare provider. Additionally, certain cold medications have been evaluated for their safety during breastfeeding, with specific recommendations available for nursing mothers.
The Bottom Line
In summary, while it is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers to take certain medications, the practice of putting baby medicine directly into breast milk is not straightforward. It is essential to consult with a pediatrician or a healthcare professional to ensure that any medication is appropriate for the infant and to discuss the best method of administration. This approach ensures that both the mother and baby remain healthy and safe while navigating the complexities of medication use during breastfeeding.

Is it okay to mix medicine in baby milk?

Babies are more likely to take their medicine when they’re hungry, so give it to them before you feed them. They’re also less likely to spit it up that way. We recommend, unless you have to, you don’t mix medicine with food or drinks. Mixing it makes it harder to know if the full dose has been taken.

Can I put my baby’s antibiotics in her milk?

Your child may resist taking medicine, especially if it doesn’t taste very good. If that’s the case, you may want to ask the pharmacist about a flavor mix-in (which can give the medicine a variety of different tastes) to make it more palatable. Don’t mix medicine into a bottle of milk or cup of juice, however.

Can you put baby Tylenol in milk?

So choosing an infant Tylenol with flavoring might make it easier for them to swallow. If you have trouble getting the syringe into your baby’s mouth, you can get a little sneaky — just squirt the medicine into their breastmilk or formula if you use a bottle, or combine it with their baby food.

Can you put medicine in breast milk?

Although many medications pass into breast milk, most have little or no effect on milk supply or infant well-being. A few medications should be avoided while breastfeeding. Mothers should talk with their health care provider about medications or supplements they take and medications to avoid.

Can medicine be given in milk?

You may be surprised to learn that some oral medications should be separated from calcium-rich dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and ice cream. In some cases, the calcium can bind to the medication and affect how it works in your body. This means they may be less effective than intended.

Does medicine still work if you mix it with milk?

When combined with certain medications, dairy products can affect how a medication works in or is absorbed by your body. In some cases, this can potentially make the medication less effective.

Can you mix baby ibuprofen with milk?

To hide the taste of the liquid, you can give the child a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after the medicine. But do not mix ibuprofen liquid with juice or milk as it may mean they do not get the right dose if they do not finish the drink.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug Comment
Iodine High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral) Potential for serious adverse effects

How do you give medicine to a baby that refuses?

Mix the dose of medicine with a strong-sweet flavor. You can try chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup, or any pancake syrup. You can also use Kool-Aid powder. Medicines can safely be mixed with any flavor your child likes.

How to give medicine to a baby who refuses?

Mixing with sweet or cold foods may also help. Some medicines can be put in a small amount of juice or sugar water. Mix the medicine with a small amount (1 to 2 teaspoons) or juice or sweetened water. Give with a spoon or let your child drink it.

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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