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What nerve pain medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nerve Pain Medication While Breastfeeding
When it comes to managing nerve pain during breastfeeding, safety for both the mother and the infant is paramount. Many medications can pass into breast milk, so it’s crucial to choose options that minimize any potential risks to the nursing child.
Safe Pain Relief Options
Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) is widely regarded as a safe choice for breastfeeding mothers. It can be taken at the recommended doses without significant concern for the infant. This medication is effective for mild to moderate pain relief and is often the first recommendation for postpartum pain management.
Ibuprofen is another non-opioid pain reliever that is considered safe during breastfeeding. Like acetaminophen, it passes into breast milk in very low levels, making it a suitable option for mothers needing pain relief. However, mothers with asthma should avoid ibuprofen due to the risk of bronchospasms.
Opioid Medications
For more severe nerve pain, some opioid medications may be prescribed. Dihydrocodeine is noted as a safer alternative to codeine for breastfeeding mothers, although it is still advisable to use it at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize any risk to the infant.
Oxycodone and hydrocodone can also be used in low doses for short-term pain relief. However, it is recommended to avoid codeine altogether due to its potential risks. The key is to balance the need for pain relief with the safety of the infant, and these medications should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Considerations and Recommendations
When considering nerve pain medication while breastfeeding, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific circumstances, including the severity of pain and the overall health of both mother and child.
In summary, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers, while certain opioids like dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone may be used cautiously under medical supervision. Always prioritize the lowest effective doses and the shortest duration of use to ensure the safety of the breastfeeding infant.

Is gabapentin ok for breastfeeding?

Gabapentin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take gabapentin while breastfeeding. It’s important to keep taking gabapentin to keep you well. Gabapentin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Who should avoid gabapentin?

have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine. are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant. are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

Do I need to pump and dump after lidocaine?

Local (Bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine): These are put into the body at the site of the procedure. They generally don’t disperse much in the blood, and therefore don’t pass into breastmilk. No interruption of breastfeeding or pumping.

Can you breastfeed with nerve damage?

Nerves are vital to breastfeeding since they trigger the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin, two hormones that affect milk production. If the nerves around the areola were cut or damaged during surgery, you have an increased risk for low milk production.

What can breastfeeding moms take for nerve pain?

The three drugs normally used to treat this type of pain are amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin. Amitriptyline has been used for many years even in breastfeeding women as an antidepressant as well as to treat neuropathic pain.

What can I take for severe pain while 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.

What can I take to calm my nerves while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

What numbing medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Lidocaine is OK to use while breastfeeding. It is only likely to pass into breast milk in tiny amounts, which are very unlikely to cause side effects in your baby.

Can I take calm magnesium while breastfeeding?

Magnesium citrate supplementation during pregnancy might delay the onset of lactation, but it can be taken during breastfeeding and no special precautions are required.

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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