What medication can a lactating mother take for stomach pain?

Understanding Medication Use for Lactating Mothers with Stomach Pain
For lactating mothers experiencing stomach pain, the choice of medication is crucial. The primary concern is balancing the mother’s health needs with the safety of the breastfeeding infant. This delicate balance requires careful consideration of the medications available and their potential effects on breast milk and the nursing child.
Safe Medications for Stomach Pain
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is often recommended as a first-line pain relief option for lactating mothers. It is generally considered safe and is commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain, including stomach discomfort. The NHS notes that paracetamol can be taken while breastfeeding, although it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if it is combined with other medications.
In cases where the stomach pain is associated with gastrointestinal issues, antacids may also be a suitable choice. These medications can help neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from heartburn or indigestion without significant risk to the breastfeeding infant.
For more severe cases, antibiotics such as cefixime may be prescribed if the stomach pain is due to an infection. This antibiotic is considered safe for use during lactation, but it should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Considerations and Precautions
When prescribing medications for breastfeeding mothers, healthcare providers must weigh the benefits of treatment against the potential risks to the infant. Not all medications that are safe during pregnancy are safe during lactation, and the transfer of drugs into breast milk can vary significantly.
Mothers should always consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including over-the-counter options. This is particularly important if the mother is taking multiple medications or has underlying health conditions that could complicate treatment.
Conclusion
In summary, lactating mothers experiencing stomach pain have several medication options, with paracetamol and certain antibiotics being among the safest choices. However, it is essential for mothers to seek professional medical advice to ensure both their health and the safety of their breastfeeding infant are prioritized.

What can I take for stomach pain while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, atropine, cascara, cisapride, loperamide, magnesium sulfate, and senna are the only products identified by the AAP as compatible with breast feeding.

How do you get rid of stomach cramps from milk?

Ways to change your diet to minimize symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

1. Choosing smaller servings of dairy.
2. Saving milk for mealtimes.
3. Experimenting with an assortment of dairy products.
4. Buying lactose-reduced or lactose-free products.
5. Using lactase enzyme tablets or drops.

What gastric medicine can breastfeeding mothers take?

Any PPI can be used during breastfeeding, however omeprazole and pantoprazole are the PPIs of choice as they are excreted into breast milk in very small amounts and have evidence to support their use. Any PPI that passes into breast milk is likely to be degraded in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract.

What can I take for stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

Which painkiller is safe during lactation?

Dihydrocodeine is a weak opioid. It is the first choice if you need stronger pain relief than paracetamol or ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding. This is because your body processes it differently to codeine.

Is Zofran safe for breastfeeding?

Using Zofran for nausea isn’t usually considered a reason to stop breastfeeding. However, it may be wise to consider another drug that has been further researched, especially if you’re breastfeeding a newborn or preterm baby. Your healthcare provider can work with you to weigh the potential risks and benefits.

What can I take for a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

What is a stomach friendly alternative to ibuprofen?

Acetaminophen, especially in low dose, appears less likely to irritate the stomach than NSAIDs, so in many cases it is reasonable to take acetaminophen along with (or instead of) NSAIDs.

Can I take Pepto Bismol while breastfeeding?

Pepto-Bismol and breastfeeding
Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you’re breastfeeding.

What drugs should be avoided during 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.