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What diabetic medications are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Diabetes Management While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a crucial aspect of infant care, offering numerous health benefits for both mothers and their babies. For mothers with diabetes, managing their condition while ensuring safe breastfeeding practices is essential. Fortunately, several diabetic medications are considered safe during lactation, allowing mothers to maintain their health without compromising their baby’s well-being.
Safe Medications for Breastfeeding Mothers with Diabetes
Insulin and metformin are the primary medications recommended for breastfeeding mothers with diabetes. Insulin is particularly safe because its molecules are too large to pass into breast milk, meaning it does not affect the infant. This makes it a reliable choice for mothers needing to manage their blood sugar levels effectively while nursing.
Metformin, another commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes, is also deemed safe during breastfeeding. It has been shown to have minimal transfer into breast milk, and studies suggest that it does not pose a risk to breastfed infants.
While insulin and metformin are the preferred options, some mothers may inquire about other medications. Glibenclamide and glipizide, both oral sulfonylureas, have been noted as potentially safe, but they are not typically the first choice during breastfeeding. It is advisable for mothers to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice regarding these medications.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Given the complexities of diabetes management and the unique needs of breastfeeding mothers, it is crucial to seek guidance from healthcare providers. They can offer tailored recommendations based on individual health profiles and the latest research. This is particularly important as some diabetes medications may not be suitable for breastfeeding, and professional advice can help navigate these choices.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers with diabetes can safely use insulin and metformin to manage their condition. These medications not only support the mother’s health but also ensure that breastfeeding remains a viable option for nurturing their infants. As always, consulting with healthcare professionals is essential to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

Can you breastfeed on Jardiance?

Pregnancy: JARDIANCE is not recommended during the second and third trimesters. Lactation: JARDIANCE is not recommended while breastfeeding. Geriatric Use: JARDIANCE is expected to have diminished glycemic efficacy in elderly patients with renal impairment.

Can I take metformin during breastfeeding?

Metformin passes into breast milk in tiny amounts and has not been linked with side effects in any breastfed babies. Metformin would not be expected to cause side effects but contact your health visitor, midwife, pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if your baby: is not feeding as well as usual.

How does metformin affect the baby?

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology demonstrates that when the diabetes drug metformin is given to the mother during pregnancy, fetus growth is restricted, including a slowed maturing of the kidneys, which has been linked to a higher risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood …

Are any weight loss medications safe while breastfeeding?

This means there is no safe appetite suppressant to take while breastfeeding; instead focus on eating a well-balanced diet. The metabolites of certain forms of oral weight loss medications have been shown to pass into breast milk and shouldn’t be taken while breastfeeding.

What type 2 diabetes medication is safe during pregnancy?

If oral medication is required to control type 2 diabetes, either while attempting conception or during pregnancy, metformin is advised as the first choice. Women taking oral diabetes medicines other than metformin may therefore be advised to switch. If insulin is required, this is considered safe for use in pregnancy.

What are Ozempic breasts?

Having Ozempic breasts means you have experienced changes in the size and shape of your breasts due to sudden weight loss, much as you would if undergoing gastric bypass surgery. With any extreme weight loss, including GLP-1 agonists, there is a risk of breast changes like these.

How can I control my diabetes while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Tips for Mothers with Diabetes

  1. Breastfeed as soon as you can after delivery.
  2. Get lots of skin-to-skin contact with your baby and nurse several times a day in the beginning.
  3. Stay relaxed and try to be patient while your milk comes in.
  4. Have a snack before or during nursing.

What diabetic medications can you take while breastfeeding?

Insulin has been proven to be safe to take while breastfeeding. Research shows that metformin may also be taken with minimal effect on the baby. Sulphonylureas do get into breast milk to some degree, so there may be a risk that the baby’s blood glucose level will fall.

Is Ozempic ok while breastfeeding?

As a result, since the potential risks to nursing infants are not fully understood, healthcare professionals typically advise against using Ozempic while breastfeeding unless the benefits of the medication significantly outweigh the potential risks.

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.
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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