What medications drop milk supply?

Understanding Medications That Can Decrease Milk Supply
Breastfeeding is a vital aspect of infant nutrition, yet many mothers face challenges with milk supply. While various factors can influence lactation, certain medications are known to potentially decrease breast milk production. Understanding these medications is crucial for nursing mothers who may be prescribed treatments for other health conditions.
Key Medications That Affect Milk Supply
1. Hormonal Contraceptives: Some hormonal birth control methods, particularly those containing estrogen, can lead to a reduction in milk supply. Estrogen can interfere with the hormonal balance necessary for milk production, making it essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult healthcare providers about safe contraceptive options.
2. Decongestants: Medications that contain pseudoephedrine, commonly found in over-the-counter cold and allergy remedies, have been shown to decrease milk supply. This is likely due to their action on the body’s adrenergic receptors, which can inhibit the release of prolactin, a hormone crucial for milk production.
3. Certain Antidepressants: Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants may also impact milk supply. While the effects can vary from person to person, it is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to discuss the implications of these medications with their healthcare providers.
4. Diuretics: Medications that promote urine production can lead to dehydration, which may subsequently affect milk supply. Maintaining adequate hydration is vital for lactating mothers, and the use of diuretics should be carefully monitored.
5. Antihistamines: Similar to decongestants, some antihistamines can reduce milk supply. They may cause drowsiness and dryness, which can also affect the breastfeeding experience.
The Importance of Consultation
For nursing mothers, it is crucial to have open discussions with healthcare providers about any medications being considered. Not all medications will have the same effect on every individual, and alternatives may be available that do not compromise milk supply. Additionally, some medications may be necessary for the mother’s health, and the benefits may outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
While certain medications can negatively impact breast milk production, awareness and proactive communication with healthcare professionals can help manage these challenges. Mothers should feel empowered to seek advice and explore options that support both their health and their breastfeeding goals.

What medications are unsafe 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.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

What medications can decrease breast milk supply?

Certain medications can suppress lactation (reduce milk production) in breastfeeding moms. Some of the medications that can decrease milk supply include: Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, and Allegra-D).

What drugs are bad for breastfeeding?

Avoid using marijuana, crack, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, meth, and other street drugs. Misusing prescription drugs can also harm your baby. This includes taking your own prescription drugs in a way not intended by your doctor and taking a prescription drug meant for someone else.

What to drink to increase breast milk fast?

Drinks to increase nutrients in breast milk

1. Water. Plain water tops the list because not getting enough of it can directly reduce your milk supply.
2. Cow’s milk. Cow’s milk is on the list because of its nutrient density.
3. Herbal tea with fenugreek.
4. Fruit smoothie with chia seeds.
5. Coconut water.
6. Juice.

What drugs cause lactation as a side effect?

Possible causes of galactorrhea include:

• Medicines, such as certain sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs.
• Opioid use.
• Herbal supplements, such as fennel, anise or fenugreek seed.
• Birth control pills.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

What inhibits milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

What medication causes lactation when not pregnant?

Some medicines, like hormones, birth control pills, antidepressants, and blood pressure medicine. Herbal medicines, such as nettle, fennel, blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek seed. Street drugs, like marijuana and opiates. Hormone imbalances.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.