Is it safe to take Tums while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Safety of Tums While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the journey of breastfeeding comes with its own set of challenges, including managing discomforts like heartburn or indigestion. One common over-the-counter remedy for these issues is Tums, an antacid that contains calcium carbonate. But is it safe to take Tums while breastfeeding?
Expert Consensus on Tums and Breastfeeding
The consensus among healthcare professionals is that Tums is generally safe to use while breastfeeding. According to registered nurse and lactation consultant Krystal Duhaney, mothers can confidently take Tums to alleviate heartburn without significant concern for their infants. This is largely due to the fact that the amount of medication that passes into breast milk is minimal, which means that the potential effects on a breastfeeding baby are negligible.
Recommendations for Use
While Tums is considered safe, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter options like Tums. Doctors can provide personalized recommendations, including how to time doses around feeding schedules to further minimize any potential effects on the baby.
Calcium Supplementation Benefits
Interestingly, Tums not only serves as an antacid but also acts as a calcium supplement. For breastfeeding mothers, maintaining adequate calcium intake is crucial, as the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for calcium during breastfeeding is 1,000 mg per day for most women. Therefore, using Tums can help meet these nutritional needs while also addressing digestive discomfort.
Conclusion
In summary, Tums is a safe option for breastfeeding mothers dealing with heartburn or indigestion. With minimal transfer to breast milk and the added benefit of calcium supplementation, it can be a practical choice. However, as with any medication, it is always best to discuss its use with a healthcare provider to ensure it aligns with individual health needs and circumstances.

Can I take Tums when breastfeeding?

For a sour stomach or heartburn, Tums and Rolaids are safe to use. Look for the ingredients calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide.

Which drug decreases milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

What can I take if I’m sick while breastfeeding?

Only a miniscule amount of ibuprofen or acetaminophen transfers to breastmilk, making these meds first-choice options for fever and headache while breastfeeding.

Can I take Pepto and Tums while breastfeeding?

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

What medications should be avoided 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.

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.

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.

How do you treat acid reflux while breastfeeding?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

When should you not use Tums?

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

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

What is not recommended for breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.