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What are the best pills to take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Medication Safety While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of medications while breastfeeding can be daunting for new mothers. The primary concern is ensuring that any medication taken does not adversely affect the infant. Fortunately, many medications are considered safe, but it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment.
Safe Over-the-Counter Medications
For common ailments, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is widely regarded as safe for breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that only minimal amounts of acetaminophen are transferred into breast milk, making it a suitable option for pain relief and fever reduction. Similarly, ibuprofen is another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is generally safe and can help with pain and inflammation.
When it comes to treating allergies or cold symptoms, many antihistamines are also considered safe. However, mothers should be cautious with certain formulations that may contain ingredients that could affect milk supply or cause drowsiness.
Prescription Medications
For those requiring prescription medications, it is essential to discuss options with a healthcare provider. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft, are often recommended for mothers dealing with postpartum depression. These medications have been shown to be safe for breastfeeding, with minimal transfer to breast milk.
Additionally, antibiotics are frequently prescribed to breastfeeding mothers, and many are safe to use. However, it is vital to inform the prescribing doctor that you are breastfeeding to ensure the chosen antibiotic is appropriate.
Birth Control Considerations
When it comes to birth control, breastfeeding mothers should avoid hormonal methods containing estrogen for the first three weeks postpartum, as these can potentially affect milk supply. After this period, options such as the combined pill, patch, or ring can be considered safe. Non-hormonal methods, like copper IUDs or barrier methods, are also excellent choices for nursing mothers.
General Guidelines
Before taking any medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription, breastfeeding mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider or pediatrician. This step is crucial to ensure that the medication is safe for both the mother and the baby, as some drugs can reduce milk supply or have other unintended effects.
In summary, while many medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to approach medication use with caution and professional guidance. By doing so, mothers can manage their health effectively while ensuring the well-being of their infants.

Which pills are best for breastfeeding mothers?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
  • Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

What can I take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What medicine is safe to take while breastfeeding?

Medicines that can be taken while breastfeeding include:

  • most antibiotics.
  • asthma inhalers.
  • vitamins (but only at the recommended dose)
  • the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines.

What is the best pill for breastfeeding moms?

The Progesterone only pill (mini-pill POP)
The POP is generally started a minimum of 3 weeks after delivery but ideally no less than 6 weeks to avoid interfering with milk production.

What pill increases milk supply?

Metoclopramide. Metoclopramide is a centrally acting drug. It can increase milk supply by 66–100% within 2–5 days in total daily doses of 30–45 mg. While the relative dose in milk ranges from 4.7–14.3%, adverse outcomes in infants have not been reported.

What are the best pills to increase breast milk?

Domperidone is the most effective medicine used to improve breast milk supply. It was developed to treat nausea, vomiting, indigestion and gastric reflux, but has been found to be effective when used to increase milk supply.

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 can I breastfeed my boyfriend but not pregnant?

Inducing lactation in people who aren’t pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.

Is it better to take Tylenol or ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

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.

Is Tylenol cold and flu OK while breastfeeding?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

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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