Is it safe to eat Tums while breastfeeding?

Is It Safe to Eat Tums While Breastfeeding?
For many new mothers, the journey of breastfeeding can come with its own set of challenges, including digestive discomfort such as heartburn or indigestion. In such cases, over-the-counter antacids like Tums may seem like a convenient solution. But the question arises: is it safe to consume Tums while breastfeeding?
General Safety of Tums During Breastfeeding
The consensus among health professionals is that Tums, which primarily contain calcium carbonate, are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to various health sources, including lactation consultants and medical guidelines, Tums can be taken while nursing without significant risk to the infant. Krystal Duhaney, a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, affirms that breastfeeding mothers can safely use Tums to alleviate their symptoms.
Moreover, the use of calcium carbonate as an antacid is not only safe but can also contribute to the mother’s calcium intake, which is essential during breastfeeding. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for calcium for breastfeeding women is 1,000 mg per day, and Tums can help meet this requirement.
Considerations for Dosage and Timing
While Tums are deemed safe, it is advisable for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider regarding the appropriate dosage and timing of the medication. This is particularly important to minimize any potential effects on the baby. For instance, planning doses around feeding schedules can help reduce the likelihood of any adverse effects.
Potential Side Effects and Alternatives
Although Tums are generally safe, some mothers may notice changes in their baby’s stool consistency, such as increased runniness. In such cases, it might be worth exploring natural remedies or dietary adjustments to manage digestive issues. Increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and regular exercise can also help prevent constipation and related discomfort without the need for medication.
Conclusion
In summary, Tums can be a safe option for breastfeeding mothers dealing with heartburn or indigestion. However, as with any medication, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that it fits within the individual’s health needs and breastfeeding plan. By taking these precautions, mothers can find relief while ensuring the well-being of their little ones.

How to deal with heartburn while breastfeeding?

Avoiding spicy and highly fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine and citrus juices.

1. See your doctor if these strategies do not help.
2. Medicines recommended.
3. Antacids are the most appropriate medications to try as first line treatment.

When should you not use Tums?

Talk to your provider or pharmacist before taking antacids on a regular basis if:

1. You have kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
2. You are on a low-sodium diet.
3. You are already taking calcium.
4. You are taking other medicines every day.
5. You have had kidney stones.

Can my upset stomach affect my breastfed baby?

A nursing mother with diarrhea caused by food or water sources can continue to breastfeed her child. However, she should also increase her own fluid intake to prevent dehydration (loss of too much water in the body). The organisms that cause travelers’ diarrhea do not pass through breast milk.

Can I take Pepto and Tums while breastfeeding?

Pepto-Bismol and breastfeeding
Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you’re breastfeeding.

Are Tums safe for pregnancy?

TUMS provides safe heartburn relief for women who are pregnant. TUMS also adds calcium to your body. When you are pregnant, your body may need between 1,000 mg and 1,300 mg of elemental calcium per day. Be sure to take TUMS at a different time than you take iron supplements.

What medications decrease milk supply?

High dose steroids (such as Solumedrol) Strong antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Testosterone. Estrogen.

Can babies get heartburn from breast milk?

However, approximately 7% of infants experience severe reflux, requiring medical care [3]. While the proportion of infants who suffer from reflux is similar among those who are breastfed and those who are formula fed, breastfed infants often have fewer and shorter episodes of reflux [2].

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.

What is the best medicine for upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine
Ranitidine and famotidine appear to carry minimal risk in pregnant women,6, 7 cimetidine has a small risk. Similarly, ranitidine and famotidine are the preferred choices in breastfeeding women.

Do Tums affect breast milk?

Antacids are usually aluminium, calcium, magnesium or sodium salts and are intended for short-term symptom control. These are all found naturally in breast milk. Additional intake of these is unlikely to affect levels in breast milk.