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What calming tablets can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Calming Tablets While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing their own health while ensuring the safety of their infants. When it comes to calming tablets or medications that promote relaxation, it’s crucial to choose options that are safe for both mother and baby. Here’s a detailed look at what calming tablets can be considered during breastfeeding.
Safe Options for Calming
1. Chamomile: One of the most recommended natural remedies is chamomile. This herb is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and can be consumed as a tea before bedtime. Chamomile is known for its calming effects, which can help soothe and relax both the mind and body.
2. Acetaminophen: While primarily a pain reliever, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is compatible with breastfeeding. It is important to note that only small amounts of acetaminophen are secreted into breast milk, making it a safer option for mothers who may need relief from discomfort or stress.
3. Dextromethorphan: This is an active ingredient found in many over-the-counter cough medications, such as Delsym. It is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and can help calm a cough, which may indirectly contribute to a more relaxed state.
Medications to Avoid
While there are safe options, certain medications should be approached with caution or avoided altogether:
– Alcohol-based medications: These can be harmful and are generally advised against during breastfeeding. They can affect milk supply and may have adverse effects on the infant.
– Certain antihistamines: Medications like Benadryl can cause drowsiness and may reduce milk supply, so they should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
Consultation is Key
Before taking any medication, including over-the-counter calming tablets, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare provider or pediatrician. This ensures that any medication taken is safe and appropriate for their specific situation.
Conclusion
In summary, while there are calming options available for breastfeeding mothers, such as chamomile and acetaminophen, it is vital to avoid certain medications that could pose risks to both mother and child. Always prioritize safety by consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. This careful approach helps maintain the well-being of both the mother and her breastfeeding infant.

What can I do for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Increase skin-to-skin contact: If you’re breastfeeding, try bringing your baby closer to your body. This feeling can lower your cortisol levels and decrease your heart rate, almost like a calming effect. Practice meditation or deep breathing: Trying to relax is key. This lowers anxiety and reduces stress.

What helps with anxiety while breastfeeding?

You may find that just knowing your feelings have a name, helps you cope with the symptoms. Other things that may help are: distracting yourself while breastfeeding, eg eating. avoiding things which make the symptoms worse such as stress, dehydration and caffeine.

Which drugs Cannot be taken when breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

Who should not take calm aid?

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Can I take calm supplement while breastfeeding?

Taking Natural Calm during breastfeeding is beneficial for both mother and baby.

What relief tablet can I take while breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the first choice pain medication during breastfeeding. While it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to cause harm to your baby. Sometimes paracetamol alone may not control your pain. In this case a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), for example ibuprofen, can also be taken.

Can I breastfeed if I took Benadryl?

Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding.

What anti anxiety medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

What is the best mood stabilizer for breastfeeding?

Data for lamotrigine (LTG) appears to be more favorable than other antiepileptics. During lactation, use of valproate and LTG is reported to be safe. Use of typical and/atypical antipsychotic is a good option during pregnancy in women with bipolar disorder.

Which sedative is safe in breastfeeding?

This includes the benzodiazepines and antihistamines such as promethazine. However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts.

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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