What are the side effects of antibiotics on breastfed babies?

Understanding the Impact of Antibiotics on Breastfed Babies
The use of antibiotics during breastfeeding is a common concern for many new mothers. While antibiotics are often necessary to treat infections, their effects on breastfed infants can vary, leading to potential side effects that warrant careful consideration.
Transfer of Antibiotics Through Breast Milk
When a breastfeeding mother takes antibiotics, these medications can transfer into her breast milk. This transfer is generally minimal, and most antibiotics are considered safe for use during lactation. However, the extent of transfer and the potential impact on the infant can depend on several factors, including the specific antibiotic used, the dosage, and the duration of treatment.
Common Side Effects in Infants
One of the most frequently reported side effects of maternal antibiotic use is gastrointestinal disturbances in breastfed babies. Mothers may notice that their infants experience runny stools or changes in stool color, often turning green. These symptoms are typically mild and resolve shortly after the mother stops taking the antibiotics.
In some cases, antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in an infant’s gut. This disruption can lead to conditions such as diarrhea, which may be accompanied by diaper rash or thrush, a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth. While these side effects can be concerning, they usually do not require medical treatment and are temporary.
Long-Term Considerations
Research has indicated that over-prescription of antibiotics can have more serious implications for infants, particularly regarding their developing immune and metabolic systems. Studies suggest that excessive antibiotic use may hinder the establishment of a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for an infant’s overall health and development. This is particularly relevant for preterm infants or those with very low birth weights, who may be more vulnerable to the effects of antibiotics.
Conclusion
While antibiotics are often necessary for treating infections in breastfeeding mothers, it is essential to be aware of their potential side effects on infants. Most antibiotics are safe, but they can cause mild gastrointestinal issues and may impact the infant’s gut health. Mothers should consult with healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and risks of antibiotic use during breastfeeding, ensuring both their health and that of their baby are prioritized.

Do breastfed babies need probiotics after antibiotics?

Probiotics and prebiotics are the secrets to good microbiome health. Adding probiotics to your own diet–and thereby passing them on to your breastfed baby–can be a tremendous help for promoting good bacteria, whether or not you received antibiotics during delivery.

What are the side effects of antibiotics in infants?

Side effects may include rashes, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Make sure you let your child’s doctor know if your child has had a reaction to antibiotics in the past. Sometimes a rash will occur during the time a child is taking an antibiotic.

Which antibiotics are not used in breastfeeding?

Antibiotics to Avoid While Breastfeeding
Clindamycin: Clindamycin can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal (GI) effects like diarrhea, vomiting, diaper rash, or thrush in a breastfed baby2. Co-trimoxazole: Rarely prescribed to breastfeeding parents of newborns because of an association with increased jaundice3.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

How to heal a newborn gut after antibiotics?

Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit health [23]. If your baby was born by C-section, has used antibiotics, has eczema or digestive troubles (which can be caused by lower levels of beneficial bacteria) you may want to consider using a probiotic specifically formulated for babies.

How long does it take for antibiotics to get into breast milk?

Aim to avoid breast feeding when milk drug concentrations are at their peak. In general, this occurs 1-2 hours following oral medication. As a general principle, advising the administration of medication immediately following a breast feed is the safest option for the baby but this is not true for all drugs.

How do you heal an infant’s gut after antibiotics?

Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit health [23]. If your baby was born by C-section, has used antibiotics, has eczema or digestive troubles (which can be caused by lower levels of beneficial bacteria) you may want to consider using a probiotic specifically formulated for babies.

What drugs can be passed through breast milk?

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 are the side effects of giving a baby amoxicillin?

Beyond the temporary soreness following a vaginal or cesarean delivery, there are other side effects to be aware of after childbirth: Contractions – You might feel menstrual cramp-like contractions in the early days after delivery, particularly if you’re breastfeeding.

What happens to babies when taking antibiotics while breastfeeding?

Most antibiotics can produce excessively loose motions in the baby, with the appearance of diarrhoea. Some infants appear more unsettled with tummy aches or colic. These effects are not clinically significant and do not require treatment. The value of continued breastfeeding outweighs the temporary inconvenience.