Does labetalol affect milk supply?

Understanding Labetalol and Its Impact on Milk Supply
Labetalol, a medication commonly prescribed for managing high blood pressure, has raised questions regarding its effects on breastfeeding, particularly concerning milk supply. As more mothers navigate the complexities of medication use during lactation, understanding the implications of labetalol is crucial.
Labetalol in Breast Milk
Research indicates that labetalol does pass into breast milk, but the concentrations are generally low. For instance, one study found that a woman taking 400 mg of labetalol daily had no detectable levels of the drug in her breast milk, while another group of women taking higher doses (600 to 800 mg) had an average milk concentration of 41 mcg/L. This suggests that while labetalol is excreted in small amounts, it is unlikely to pose significant risks to breastfeeding infants.
Effects on Milk Supply
The relationship between labetalol and milk supply is less clear. Anecdotal evidence from breastfeeding forums indicates that some mothers have experienced challenges with milk production while on labetalol. However, it is essential to note that these experiences can vary widely among individuals. Factors such as the mother’s overall health, hydration, and frequency of breastfeeding or pumping can significantly influence milk supply.
Medical literature does not provide definitive evidence that labetalol directly decreases milk supply. In fact, most studies have not reported adverse effects on breastfeeding infants, and no significant problems have been observed in term infants whose mothers were treated with labetalol during lactation.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
For mothers concerned about their milk supply while taking labetalol, it is advisable to consult healthcare providers. They can offer personalized guidance and may suggest monitoring milk production closely. Additionally, maintaining a consistent breastfeeding or pumping schedule, staying hydrated, and ensuring proper nutrition can help support milk supply.
In summary, while labetalol does enter breast milk, the evidence suggests that it is present in low concentrations and does not appear to adversely affect milk supply for most mothers. However, individual experiences may vary, and ongoing communication with healthcare professionals is key to navigating medication use during breastfeeding.

Can labetalol affect breast milk supply?

Beta-blockers are not known to have an effect on breastfeeding. However, non-selective beta-blockers (especially labetalol) have been reported to cause nipple pain or Raynaud’s phenomenon of the nipple.

What medicine to avoid 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.

Can preeclampsia cause low milk supply?

Reduced opportunity for early and effective breast stimulation and emptying, as may occur with maternal infant separation and medical complications in preeclampsia management, are known risk factors for reduced breast milk production [33, 53].

What are the major side effects of labetalol?

Side effects of labetalol

• Feeling sleepy, dizzy or weak. If labetalol makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better.
• Headaches. Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Cold fingers or toes.
• Feeling sick or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• Diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain.

Does labetalol affect baby growth?

Use of labetalol in pregnancy is common and there is no concern that it causes harm. Labetalol belongs to a family of medicines called beta blockers. Studies have not shown that beta blockers cause birth defects, stillbirth or preterm birth.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

What are the side effects of labetalol in infants?

There have been a few reports of temporary symptoms of beta-blockade that appeared shortly after birth in infants who were exposed to labetalol in late pregnancy. Symptoms can include slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. If these symptoms occur, they are expected to pass within 3 days.

How long to take labetalol postpartum?

It is likely that you will only need to take labetalol during pregnancy and in the few weeks after having had your baby. Most women do not need to take it for long after they have had their baby.

Does blood pressure medication affect milk supply?

Diuretics in high doses can decrease the milk supply. Among the ACE inhibitors, lisinopril is considered much safer than benazepril and captopril. Labetolol, a beta blocker often used for high blood pressure during pregnancy, is safer to continue postpartum for a breastfeeding mother than atenolol.

What medications decrease milk supply?

High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol) Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Testosterone. Estrogen.