Does metformin affect baby during breastfeeding?

Understanding Metformin and Breastfeeding
Metformin, a widely prescribed medication for managing type 2 diabetes, has raised questions regarding its safety during breastfeeding. As more mothers with diabetes seek to maintain their health while nursing, understanding the implications of metformin use is crucial.
Metformin in Breast Milk
Research indicates that metformin does pass into breast milk, but in very small amounts. Studies have shown that the concentration of metformin in breast milk is low, with estimates suggesting that infants may receive only about 0.28% to 0.5% of the maternal dose when breastfeeding. This minimal exposure is generally considered safe for breastfeeding infants.
Safety for Infants
The available evidence suggests that metformin is safe for lactating mothers and their babies. A study specifically noted that there were no reported problems in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking metformin. Additionally, guidelines from health organizations, including NICE, support the use of metformin during breastfeeding, reinforcing its safety profile.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
While the data supports the safety of metformin during breastfeeding, it is always advisable for mothers to consult their healthcare providers regarding their specific circumstances. Individual health conditions and medication regimens can vary, and personalized medical advice is essential.
Conclusion
In summary, metformin is deemed safe for use during breastfeeding, with minimal transfer to breast milk and no significant adverse effects reported in infants. Mothers should feel reassured but remain in communication with their healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their babies.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking metformin?

Metformin passes into breast milk in tiny amounts and has not been linked with side effects in any breastfed babies. Metformin would not be expected to cause side effects but contact your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if your baby: is not feeding as well as usual.

Does diabetes affect baby during breastfeeding?

Even if you have diabetes, you can and should plan to breastfeed for at least six months. If your baby is breastfed, they will be less likely to develop type 1 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes later in life.

What are the nursing concerns of metformin?

Metformin should be used with caution in patients at risk of developing lactic acidosis, such as those with hypoxemia, hypoperfusion, dehydration, and sepsis. Moreover, its use is contraindicated in patients with known metformin hypersensitivity, severe renal dysfunction, and acute or metabolic acidosis.

Can metformin restrict fetal growth?

Key findings
The levels in fetal urine neared biomolar equivalence to maternal levels after initiation at gestational day 30. Bioaccumulation of metformin in the fetus was associated with growth restriction in liver, skeletal muscle, heart, and retroperitoneal fat masses, driving lower fetal body weight.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

Can metformin cause twins?

Increased ovulation and pregnancy rates have been observed in PCOS, with or without hyperinsulinemia, after metformin (12) from 2 weeks of therapy on (13) without high-order pregnancy. An observational study (14) reported three twins out of 81 gestations (3.7%) with metformin only.

How does metformin affect the baby?

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology demonstrates that when the diabetes drug metformin is given to the mother during pregnancy, fetus growth is restricted, including a slowed maturing of the kidneys, which has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood …

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 metformin react with milk?

You don’t have to skip dairy completely when taking metformin. But try to avoid sweetened dairy items. These foods add extra calories and sugar, which can make metformin less effective at controlling your blood sugar.

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.