What is safe to take for a headache while breastfeeding?

Understanding Headaches While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the joy of breastfeeding can sometimes be overshadowed by the discomfort of headaches. Whether these headaches are tension-related or migraines, it’s crucial to know what treatments are safe during this period. Fortunately, there are several options available that can help alleviate pain without compromising the health of the breastfeeding infant.
Safe Medications for Headaches
When it comes to medication, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is widely regarded as a safe choice for treating headaches while breastfeeding. It is effective for mild to moderate pain and poses minimal risk to nursing infants. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are also considered safe. These medications can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from headache symptoms.
Interestingly, sumatriptan (Imitrex), a medication specifically used for migraines, is another option that breastfeeding mothers can use without significant concern for their baby’s safety. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes and non-drug therapies can be effective in managing headaches. Caffeine, for instance, is known to help alleviate headaches and is safe in moderation during breastfeeding. Consuming a couple of cups of coffee or caffeinated tea can provide relief, as caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter headache medications.
Other non-drug strategies include ensuring adequate hydration, maintaining a balanced diet, and practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga. Applying an ice pack to the neck or forehead can also help reduce headache symptoms.
Conclusion
While headaches can be a common issue for breastfeeding mothers, there are safe and effective treatments available. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are generally safe, as is moderate caffeine consumption. Additionally, incorporating lifestyle changes and non-drug therapies can further enhance relief. As always, it’s best for mothers to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare professional to ensure both their health and that of their breastfeeding child.

How long do lactation headaches last?

Experts think this might be related to the surge in ocytocin (a hormone). Some moms find that mild pain killers (like Tylenol or Advil) help and that the headaches become less severe or stop around two months postpartum. Other moms have problems with these “lactation headaches” until they wean.

Is ibuprofen or Tylenol safer for breastfeeding?

Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you’re breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Can I drink breast milk of my wife?

However, drinking breast milk is safe only if it is from your partner whom you know well. This is because breast milk is a bodily fluid, and you do not want yourself to be at risk of infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus, or syphilis.

How much Tylenol can I take while breastfeeding?

What pain medications are safe during breastfeeding? To help relieve your pain, it’s safe to take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650-1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours (but no more than 4000 mg – or 8 extra-strength pills – per day) or Ibuprofen (Motrin) 400-600 mg every 6 hours.

What does a pre-eclampsia headache feel like?

Dull or severe, throbbing headaches, often described as migraine-like that just won’t go away are cause for concern.

How can I stop breastfeeding headaches?

Options include: Taking headache medicine: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and over-the-counter NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) can help ease headache symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider about what’s safe to take while breastfeeding (chestfeeding).

Is Excedrin ok while breastfeeding?

Recent data shows that acetaminophen, one of the active ingredients in Excedrin, is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers when used as directed. However, aspirin and caffeine, also found in Excedrin, may pose potential risks to the nursing infant.

What can you take for a headache while breastfeeding?

If you’re nursing, you may worry that taking something to get rid of the headache will affect your breastmilk or your baby. There are medications that are safe to take when you’re breastfeeding: Tylenol and ibuprofen like Advil being the safest.

Does Tylenol affect breast milk supply?

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.

Which tablet is best for headache during breastfeeding?

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.