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Does milk of magnesia pass through breast milk?

Understanding Milk of Magnesia and Its Transfer to Breast Milk
Milk of magnesia, primarily composed of magnesium hydroxide, is widely recognized for its use as an antacid and laxative. However, for nursing mothers, a pertinent question arises: Does milk of magnesia pass through breast milk?
Transfer of Magnesium to Breast Milk
Research indicates that small amounts of magnesium can indeed make their way into breast milk. While magnesium is an essential mineral for both maternal and infant health, the exact implications of its transfer through breast milk remain somewhat unclear. According to medical sources, there is limited data on the safety of magnesium hydroxide during breastfeeding, which raises concerns for nursing mothers considering its use.
Safety Considerations for Nursing Mothers
The lack of comprehensive studies means that healthcare providers often advise caution. Although magnesium is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, the same cannot be definitively stated for breastfeeding. The potential effects on the infant, particularly in terms of dosage and individual sensitivity, are not well-documented.
Conclusion
In summary, while milk of magnesia does pass small amounts of magnesium into breast milk, the safety of this transfer for nursing infants is not fully understood. Mothers should consult healthcare professionals before using milk of magnesia to ensure the well-being of both themselves and their babies. As always, informed decisions are crucial when it comes to medication during breastfeeding.

Will mother’s constipation affect a breastfed baby?

Can a nursing mother’s diet cause — or relieve — a baby’s constipation? The short answer is probably not. According to a 2017 study of 145 women in the Korean Journal of Pediatrics , there are no foods a breastfeeding mom needs to avoid unless the baby has an obvious negative reaction to it.

Can milk of magnesia pass through breast milk?

Oral absorption of magnesium by the infant is poor, so maternal magnesium hydroxide is not expected to affect the breastfed infant’s serum magnesium. Magnesium hydroxide supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

Does magnesium transfer through breastmilk?

Furthermore, breastfed babies are less likely to develop allergies, diabetes or obesity. During breastfeeding, mothers pass some magnesium on to their babies – an average of 3 mg of magnesium per 100 ml of breast milk. This is why it is important to ensure an adequate supply of magnesium even after giving birth.

How to relieve constipation while breastfeeding?

Exercise – Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga will ease constipation and make you feel healthier. Try to be active and get some exercise every day. Fluids – Pregnant and breastfeeding women need to increase their fluid intake, so drink at least 7-8 glasses/day and even more in hot or humid weather.

Can laxatives pass through breast milk?

Stool softeners such as docusate or osmotic laxatives such as lactulose, glycerol or macrogol are safe to use at the recommended doses while breastfeeding. Stimulant laxatives such as senna or biscodyl may pass into the breast milk and cause diarrhoea in your baby.

Does magnesium sulfate pass through breast milk?

There is a slight increase in milk magnesium content (this was still within the normal range with IV magnesium sulfate administration) and oral absorption of magnesium by infants is poor so this is unlikely to significantly affect the infant’s serum magnesium.

Can you breastfeed while on a magnesium drip?

If you have severe preeclampsia, you may be treated with magnesium sulfate, which can cause nausea and make it more challenging to feed. Also, when a baby is born early, it can take longer for your milk to come in. But don’t give up – the colostrum your breasts produce at first has important antibodies for your baby.

What happens if you take magnesium with milk?

Although magnesium is found within milk, it may not be in your best interest to consume a magnesium supplement with a glass of milk. Magnesium and calcium have a complicated relationship. Both minerals have overlapping transport systems within the body, so when consumed together they compete for absorption.

Does milk of magnesia affect pregnancy?

Other laxatives that are considered safe to use during pregnancy include saline laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia, Dulcolax, others) or magnesium citrate; stimulants, such as bisacodyl (Ducodyl); and lactulose (Cholac, Constilac, others).

Can you take magnesium laxatives while breastfeeding?

E.g. Magnesium Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulphate, Lactulose, Movicol ®. Passage of osmotic laxatives into breastmilk is low and they can all be used during breastfeeding.

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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