What is contraindicated during lactation?

Understanding Contraindications During Lactation
Breastfeeding is widely recognized as the optimal method of feeding infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that support their growth and immune system. However, there are specific circumstances under which breastfeeding may be contraindicated, primarily to protect the health of the infant.
Key Contraindications
1. Infectious Diseases: Certain infectious diseases in the mother can pose significant risks to the breastfeeding infant. For instance, mothers who are untreated for HIV or have active tuberculosis should refrain from breastfeeding. The transmission of these infections through breast milk can lead to severe health complications for the child. Additionally, infections like Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types I and II also fall into this category, as they can be transmitted through breastfeeding.
2. Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as galactosemia, a rare genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of galactose, are critical contraindications. Infants with this condition cannot properly metabolize galactose, which is present in breast milk, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
3. Substance Abuse: Mothers who use illicit drugs are advised against breastfeeding. The presence of these substances in breast milk can adversely affect the infant’s development and health. This includes not only illegal drugs but also certain prescription medications that may not be safe during lactation.
4. Certain Medications: While many medications are safe to take while breastfeeding, some can pose risks to the infant. For example, certain chemotherapeutic agents and radioactive isotopes are contraindicated due to their potential harmful effects on a nursing baby. Healthcare providers often face challenges in prescribing medications to breastfeeding mothers, needing to balance the mother’s health needs with the safety of the infant.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the above, mothers who are experiencing severe health issues, such as febrile illnesses, may also need to consider the implications of breastfeeding. If the fever is due to an underlying condition that poses a risk to the infant, breastfeeding may not be advisable.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is encouraged for its numerous benefits, it is crucial for mothers to be aware of the contraindications that may affect their ability to breastfeed safely. Consulting healthcare providers is essential for mothers to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring both their health and that of their infants are prioritized.

What to avoid during lactation?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

What is always contraindicated with breastfeeding?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: Infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) Mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), untreated brucellosis, or suspected or confirmed Ebola virus disease.

What are examples of absolute contraindication?

For example, isotretinoin, a drug used to treat acne, is absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. Certain decongestants are contraindicated in people with high blood pressure and should be avoided. Many medicines should not be used together by the same person.

Which psychiatric drug is contraindicated during lactation?

Second, there have been reports of toxicity in nursing infants related to exposure to various mood stabilizers, including lithium and carbamazepine, in breast milk. Lithium is excreted at relatively high levels in the mother’s milk, and infant serum levels are about one-third to one-half of the mother’s serum levels.

What drugs are contraindicated in lactation?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.

What is not safe to do while breastfeeding?

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?

• Alcohol. There’s no level of alcohol in breast milk that’s considered safe for a baby.
• Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day.
• Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Which of the following is a contraindication to breastfeeding?

Examples include galactosemia, untreated HIV, untreated active tuberculosis, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 or II, uses illicit drugs, or mothers undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

What are the absolute contraindications for lactation?

The only true contraindications to breastfeeding are the following: infants with classic galactosemia (galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase deficiency) mothers, in the US, who are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Which foods should be consumed with caution while lactating?

Foods to stay away from when breastfeeding include:

• Coffee and tea. Some of the caffeine in the coffee and tea you drink will end up in your breast milk and may make it harder for your baby to sleep.
• Cabbage, broccoli, and other “gassy” foods.
• Fish.
• Chocolate.
• Garlic.
• Peppermint, sage, and parsley.

Which antibiotic is not safe in lactation?

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.