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Does Tylenol mess with milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Tylenol on Milk Supply
The question of whether Tylenol, or acetaminophen, affects milk supply during breastfeeding is a concern for many nursing mothers. As a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, Tylenol is often considered safe for use during lactation, but its implications for breastfeeding can be nuanced.
Safety of Tylenol During Breastfeeding
Research indicates that acetaminophen is generally safe for nursing mothers. According to the Drugs and Lactation Database, acetaminophen is a good choice for pain relief and fever reduction in breastfeeding women. It has been shown that administering acetaminophen and ibuprofen on a fixed schedule after vaginal delivery can actually increase breastfeeding rates, suggesting that it does not negatively impact the ability to nurse.
Moreover, experts agree that taking Tylenol while breastfeeding does not significantly affect the quantity or quality of breast milk produced. The American Academy of Pediatrics classifies acetaminophen as a medication that is compatible with breastfeeding, meaning it poses minimal risk to infants.
Potential Concerns with Milk Supply
While Tylenol itself is not known to interfere with milk supply, some anecdotal reports suggest that certain medications can have an impact. For instance, some cold medications have been noted to potentially affect milk production. However, Tylenol does not fall into this category.
It’s important to note that while Tylenol is safe, the method of administration can raise concerns. For example, mixing Baby Tylenol with milk is not recommended due to potential risks, such as gastrointestinal upset, although this is more about the interaction of the medication with the digestive system rather than its effect on milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, Tylenol is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and does not appear to negatively affect milk supply. Nursing mothers can use it for pain relief without worrying about compromising their ability to breastfeed. However, as with any medication, it is always advisable for mothers to consult with healthcare professionals regarding their specific circumstances and any potential interactions with other medications they may be taking.

What medications can decrease milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

Does Tylenol help with engorgement?

Cold packs applied to the breast may reduce swelling and provide comfort. Take a warm shower and express some milk before you feed the baby, or lean over a bowl of warm water before you feed the baby to help your milk let-down. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen before breastfeeding to minimize pain.

How long does Tylenol stay in your system?

If you have no significant health conditions and only take Tylenol at recommended doses, then it is typically out of your system within 12 to 24 hours after your last dose. If you’ve been taking more than the recommended doses of Tylenol, it could take a few days for your body to clear it.

Is it safe to take Tylenol at night while breastfeeding?

Acetaminophen is considered safe during breastfeeding. The amount transferred into breast milk is low. Acetaminophen is not harmful to babies at low concentrations.

What will stop my milk supply?

Several factors will affect how long it takes for your milk to dry up, including your baby’s age and how much milk your body is making.

  • 7 ways to dry your breast milk supply quickly.
  • Cold turkey.
  • Herbs.
  • Cabbage.
  • Birth control.
  • Sudafed.
  • Vitamin B.
  • Other drugs.

Does Tylenol reduce milk supply?

Very little of the Tylenol you take for your headache will get to your baby, for example, and it won’t affect your milk supply. There are exceptions, though, so if you need an over-the-counter medication you’re not sure about, work with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe.

What passes through breast milk?

Almost any drug that’s present in the blood will transfer into breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though. Some drugs can be found in high levels in breast milk.

What lowers 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.

How much Tylenol can a breastfeeding mom take?

What pain medications are safe during breastfeeding? To help relieve your pain, it’s safe to take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650-1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours (but no more than 4000 mg – or 8 extra-strength pills – per day) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) 400-600 mg every 6 hours.

What can I drink to lose belly fat while breastfeeding?

1) Drink At Least 8 Cups Of Water Every Day
And it’s especially important for breastfeeding moms. Water helps your body naturally shed unwanted pounds because water: Contributes to regular body functions, like circulation, digestion, regulation of body temperature, transportation of nutrients, and milk production.

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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