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Is aspirin okay while breastfeeding?

Understanding Aspirin Use While Breastfeeding
The question of whether aspirin is safe for breastfeeding mothers is a nuanced one, with varying recommendations based on dosage and individual circumstances. While aspirin is a common over-the-counter medication used for pain relief and anti-inflammatory purposes, its use during lactation requires careful consideration.
General Recommendations
Aspirin is not typically recommended for breastfeeding mothers, particularly in regular doses. The primary concern stems from the potential transfer of salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, into breast milk. Studies indicate that after ingestion, salicylic acid does enter breast milk, with higher doses leading to disproportionately higher levels in the milk. This raises concerns about the potential effects on breastfed infants, particularly regarding the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition associated with aspirin use in children.
Low-Dose Aspirin
However, there are circumstances where low-dose aspirin may be considered. For instance, doses ranging from 75 to 150 mg daily are generally deemed compatible with breastfeeding. This is particularly relevant for mothers who may need to continue low-dose aspirin therapy for specific medical reasons, such as after certain cardiac events or during pregnancy. Occasional use of low-dose aspirin is not expected to pose significant risks to a breastfeeding infant.
Risks and Considerations
Despite the potential safety of low-dose aspirin, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to consult with healthcare providers before starting any medication. The decision should be based on a thorough assessment of the mother’s health needs and the potential risks to the infant. In cases where other pain relief options are unsuitable, a doctor may recommend low-dose aspirin as a viable alternative.
Conclusion
In summary, while regular strength aspirin is generally discouraged during breastfeeding due to the associated risks, low-dose aspirin can be safely used under medical guidance. Mothers should always prioritize open communication with their healthcare providers to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their infants.

At what week should you stop taking baby aspirin during pregnancy?

First-trimester preeclampsia screening (11 to 13 weeks of gestation) allows initiation of aspirin (150 mg per day) before 16 weeks of gestation until 36 weeks of gestation. Aspirin may be associated with an increased risk of peripartum bleeding,16,17 which could be mitigated by discontinuing aspirin earlier.

How does aspirin affect baby?

During the first trimester, higher doses of aspirin may raise the risk of pregnancy loss. Taking a high dose also could raise the risk of a baby having medical conditions present at birth, called congenital defects.

What does aspirin do for baby?

Low dose aspirin is not known to be harmful to you or your baby during pregnancy. In fact it is known to reduce the risk of harm by reducing the risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, smaller babies and stillbirth.

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.

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.

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.

Can aspirin cause miscarriage early?

Overall, researchers discovered no difference in outcomes for those who took aspirin compared to a placebo. “Early miscarriage may be due to many different reasons. The use of aspirin might be beneficial to reduce the risk due to a small portion of these reasons, but the evidence so far is inconclusive.”

Can I use aspirin while breastfeeding?

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.

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 medications dry up milk supply?

What medications do you think have been found to decrease milk supply? Choose 1 or more:

  • Epinephrine.
  • Labetolol.
  • High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol)
  • Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Testosterone.
  • Estrogen.
  • Methylergonovine (Methergine)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
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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