Is aspirin ok to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Aspirin Use While Breastfeeding
The question of whether aspirin is safe to take while breastfeeding is a nuanced one, with various factors to consider. While aspirin is a common over-the-counter medication used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes, its effects on breastfeeding mothers and their infants require careful examination.
Aspirin and Breast Milk
Research indicates that aspirin does pass into breast milk, with salicylic acid, the active metabolite of aspirin, being excreted in small amounts. The concentration of salicylic acid in breast milk can increase with higher doses of aspirin. For instance, long-term or high-dose maternal ingestion of aspirin has been linked to potential adverse effects, including metabolic acidosis in breastfed infants. This raises concerns about the safety of aspirin, particularly at higher doses.
Recommendations for Use
Health authorities generally advise caution when it comes to aspirin use during breastfeeding. The NHS states that aspirin is not usually recommended as a painkiller for breastfeeding mothers. However, in cases where other pain relief options are unsuitable, a healthcare provider may suggest aspirin.
Low-dose aspirin, typically defined as 75-150 mg daily, is considered more acceptable. Studies suggest that occasional use of low-dose aspirin is unlikely to pose significant risks to a breastfeeding infant . This is particularly relevant for mothers who may need to take aspirin for specific medical reasons, such as after cardiac events or during pregnancy for certain complications.
Conclusion
In summary, while low-dose aspirin may be compatible with breastfeeding, it is crucial for mothers to consult their healthcare providers before starting any medication. Each situation is unique, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on individual health needs and circumstances. The overarching message is one of caution: while low doses may be safe, higher doses of aspirin are not recommended during breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant.

Can breastfeeding mothers take aspirin?

Only take low dose aspirin while you’re breastfeeding if your doctor has advised you to do so. Aspirin passes into breast milk in very small amounts, and it is unlikely to cause any side effects in your baby. However, there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children.

How long does it take for a baby aspirin to get out of your system?

The plasma half-life of aspirin is only 20 minutes; however, because platelets cannot generate new COX, the effects of aspirin last for the duration of the life of the platelet (≈10 days). After a single dose of aspirin, platelet COX activity recovers by ≈10% per day as a function of platelet turnover.

Which is safer, aspirin or ibuprofen?

Aspirin and ibuprofen are safe and effective in relieving pain and swelling. Although both meds may increase the risk of stomach irritation, ibuprofen is generally less likely to cause stomach irritation than aspirin. However, ibuprofen may cause stomach problems when taken in large doses for a long time.

What does aspirin do nursing?

Aspirin passes into breast milk. When used in large amounts (such as to treat pain or fever), it may harm a nursing infant and breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. However, low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention may be used if directed by your doctor.

Is aspirin better than ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

While ibuprofen has been proven safe for moms and babies while breastfeeding, other medications are not the same. For instance, breastfeeding women should avoid aspirin and Pepto Bismol, as well as Aleve. Aspirin has a blood-thinning effect and can increase the risk of bleeding for your baby.

What pain reliever is OK for breastfeeding?

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together during breastfeeding if needed, up to their maximum daily doses. If your baby needs to take ibuprofen suspension (e.g. Nurofen for Children®) whilst you are taking ibuprofen, they can do so at their own full and normal dose.

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.

What does aspirin do to babies?

Aspirin should not be given to children aged under 16 unless on the advice of a doctor. This is because there is a very small risk that children can develop a condition called Reye’s syndrome if they are given aspirin when they have a viral illness.

What is the best anti-inflammatory while breastfeeding?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

Can aspirin affect the baby?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, also known as the FDA, advises pregnant people not to take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) after 19 weeks of pregnancy. Taking these medicines could cause rare but serious kidney conditions in a fetus.