Is Tylenol or aspirin better while breastfeeding?

The Safety of Tylenol vs. Aspirin While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing pain or fever during breastfeeding, many mothers find themselves weighing the options between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and aspirin. Understanding the safety and effects of these medications is crucial for nursing mothers who want to ensure the well-being of their infants while addressing their own health needs.
Tylenol: A Safer Choice for Nursing Mothers
Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, is widely regarded as a safe option for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that only a minimal amount of acetaminophen passes into breast milk, making it unlikely to affect the nursing infant. In fact, studies suggest that acetaminophen can be beneficial for nursing mothers, as it not only alleviates pain but may also support breastfeeding rates when administered in conjunction with ibuprofen after childbirth.
Experts emphasize that acetaminophen does not impact milk supply, allowing mothers to manage discomfort without compromising their ability to breastfeed. This makes Tylenol a go-to choice for many mothers seeking relief from headaches, fevers, or other mild to moderate pain.
Aspirin: Potential Risks and Concerns
On the other hand, aspirin presents a more complex picture. While it can be effective for pain relief, its use during breastfeeding is generally approached with caution. Aspirin is known to be excreted into breast milk, and higher doses can lead to significantly increased levels of salicylic acid in the milk. This raises concerns about potential adverse effects on breastfed infants, including the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can affect children.
Moreover, there have been documented cases where long-term, high-dose aspirin use in breastfeeding mothers has resulted in metabolic acidosis in infants. Given these risks, healthcare providers often recommend that breastfeeding mothers avoid aspirin unless absolutely necessary.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
In summary, while both Tylenol and aspirin can provide pain relief, Tylenol is generally considered the safer option for breastfeeding mothers. Its minimal transfer into breast milk and lack of impact on milk supply make it a preferable choice for managing discomfort. Conversely, aspirin’s potential risks to infants and its presence in breast milk warrant caution and typically lead to recommendations against its use during breastfeeding. Mothers should always consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions tailored to their specific health needs and circumstances.

Does Tylenol decrease milk supply?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

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.

Is it safe to take Tylenol and aspirin while breastfeeding?

Nose sprays, eye drops, and skin creams are also safe. Pain or Fever: Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Advil) are safe. Aspirin should be avoided. (Reason: risk for bleeding or Reye syndrome).

Which pain reliever is best while breastfeeding?

Ibuprofen is the first-choice anti-inflammatory when breastfeeding as it has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any reports of problems. Diclofenac, (Voltarol®) is acceptable when breastfeeding, as it won’t stay in your body for long.

Does aspirin affect breast milk supply?

Summary of Use during Lactation
After aspirin ingestion, salicylic acid is excreted into breastmilk, with higher doses resulting in disproportionately higher milk levels. Long-term, high-dose maternal aspirin ingestion probably caused metabolic acidosis in one breastfed infant.

How long does it take aspirin to get out of breastmilk?

After 2-4 hours there is virtually no aspirin in milk Compatible with breastfeeding if necessary at 75 -150mg mg daily, avoid as an analgesic Reye’s syndrome This is a rare syndrome, characterized by acute encephalopathy and fatty degeneration of the liver, usually after a viral illness or chickenpox.

What are the best pills for breastfeeding moms?

The Progesterone only pill (mini-pill POP)
The progesterone only contraceptive pill (mini-pill) is generally recommended during breastfeeding. It needs to be taken at the same time every day continuously – a delay of more than 3 hours may mean contraceptive protection is lost.

What pain medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

In some cases, low doses of oxycodone or hydrocodone are safe when used for short-term pain relief while breastfeeding, but you should avoid medications or formulas that contain codeine if possible. Many adults can be slow or rapid metabolizers of codeine which may increase the possibility of side effects in your baby.

Does breastfeeding affect mother’s teeth?

It increases the risk of tooth decay.
Many breastfeeding mothers develop tooth decay and cavities, even from pregnancy. The cause of this can be one of multiple things. Some breastfeeding mothers vomit a lot due to numerous factors. Vomit washes the teeth with stomach acid, which erodes the enamel.

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.