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Can you take anti-gas medicine while breastfeeding?

Understanding Anti-Gas Medications and Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers, the question of whether to take anti-gas medications can be a source of concern. The safety of medications during breastfeeding is a critical consideration, as many substances can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the infant.
Safety of Anti-Gas Medications
Anti-gas medications, such as simethicone, are commonly used to relieve discomfort caused by gas. According to recent insights, simethicone is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. This medication works by breaking up gas bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, making it easier to expel gas and alleviate bloating. Importantly, simethicone is not absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts, which means that very little, if any, enters breast milk.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
While simethicone is deemed safe, it is always advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any medication. This is particularly important because individual health conditions and the presence of other medications can influence safety. Healthcare professionals can provide tailored advice, ensuring that the benefits of taking the medication outweigh any potential risks.
Potential Risks of Other Anti-Gas Medications
Not all anti-gas medications are created equal. Some combinations or specific formulations may not be recommended for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, certain medications that contain ingredients like diphenoxylate (found in Lomotil) are advised against unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Therefore, it is crucial to read labels carefully and discuss any concerns with a doctor or pharmacist.
Conclusion
In summary, while simethicone is a safe option for managing gas discomfort during breastfeeding, it is essential for mothers to engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers about any medications they consider taking. This proactive approach ensures both the mother’s well-being and the safety of her breastfeeding infant.

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.

What antacids can breastfeeding moms take?

Medications that are considered safe for breastfeeding
The most recent research indicates that most medications can be used safely during breastfeeding. These include (but are not limited to): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Antacids (Maalox, Mylanta, Tums)

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.

Can you take anti gas medicine while pregnant?

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.

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.

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.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

How can I reduce gas while breastfeeding?

What can I do to help my baby with gas?

  1. Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air.
  2. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas.
  3. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly.
  4. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

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.

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.

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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