10 Common and Safe Medications You Can Take While Breastfeeding
10 Common and Safe Medications You Can Take While Breastfeeding
Remember, check with your medical provider about any new medications you may want to take with any illness/ailment you experience.
You were up late last night. Breastfeeding and changing yet another poopy diaper at 2 am. (How can this tiny human poop so much?) You loved cuddling them back to sleep, but this morning you’re feeling crappy despite that little face beaming up at you.
Waking up with a splitting headache and a newborn is no joke. You wonder if you can pop a couple Excedrin Migraine to ease into the rest of the day. Is it okay for my baby?
Breastfeeding is a marathon, and we like to think of expert insight from our founder as the coaching advice we need to keep tracking those miles. So let’s answer that burning question:
What can I safely take while breastfeeding?
Let your local Boise consultant help you out. Here’s our Top 10 List of Safe Medications to grab as you need them. Most of them are over the counter and likely already in your medicine cabinet. Rest easy knowing you don’t have to suffer OR worry about negatively affecting your baby.
Notes: 1) Even though research shows these to be okay for nursing parents, it’s always a good idea to check with your medical provider about symptoms and recommendations. 2) Check the proper dosage and use.
1. Ibuprofen
Brand names include Advil or Motrin. It falls in the class of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) and might help that pounding headache or knee pain. Use ibuprofen to safely reduce fevers, treat pain, and decrease inflammation while breastfeeding.
Evidence shows very little of this medication transfers into your breastmilk, with one study showing less than 1%. [1]
2. Penicillin & Amoxicillin
Sometimes you can’t avoid awful bacterial infections. Antibiotics can really help your body fight off a urinary tract infection (UTI), strep throat, or sinus infection.
The great news — you can keep breastfeeding with either Penicillin or Amoxicillin. Penicillin has been used in medicine since the 1940s, so it’s been extensively studied and proven to be OK while nursing.[2]
If you do need to be on antibiotics at birth or while breastfeeding, it is wise to start taking a probiotic to help replenish your microbiome.
3. Diflucan
When a yeast infection makes a visit, the most common medication used while breastfeeding is fluconazole. It remains a safe antifungal treatment while breastfeeding, but keep in mind, if you get a yeast infection, your baby’s at a higher risk for contracting it too.
It can spread from your nipples if you have it or from bottles if not properly sanitized and dried.
If your baby does get a yeast infection, it’s called thrush. You would notice signs like white velvety sores in their mouth, redness, diaper rash, and/or refusal to nurse. Luckily, your baby can be treated too!
4. Tums
The most common antacid for heartburn Tums (or its equivalent) is safe to take, just like during pregnancy. You don’t need to give up your favorite hot sauce or Thai dish just because you’re breastfeeding!
5. Zoloft & Paxil
Your mental health matters! Please understand that postpartum can wreak havoc on your body in many different ways. There's no shame in needing medicine to help your brain. (It’s just like any other organ in your body, so get that support.)
These medications fall under selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors (SSRIs), and several studies prove their safety while breastfeeding. [3] Although small amounts transfer to breast milk, it doesn’t negatively impact your baby.
6. Topical Corticosteroids
Eczema, rashes, and other skin conditions leave you feeling both uncomfortable and itchy. As a new parent, you don’t need anything else making your life harder! Luckily, topical steroids like hydrocortisone cream remain safe to use for short periods while breastfeeding.
7. Nasal Saline Solution
Not being able to breathe out of both nostrils frustrates us too! Whether a bad cold or allergies got you all stopped up, you can use a nasal saline solution while you breastfeed without any issues. Bring on the neti pot.
As always, follow all instructions on the packaging for proper preparation and use.
8. Birth Control
Are you dead set on waiting a while until the next one, or already know you’re done? Getting on birth control’s a great (and safe!) option when you breastfeed.
It’s often called the “mini-pill” because it only contains progesterone, not estrogen. Discuss birth control options at your 6-week postpartum visit so you can see what’s right for you with your OBGYN.
However, even the mini-pill can cause supply to drop for some mamas, so keep a watchful eye on supply and if it drops, you may need to find another birth control option.
9. Synthroid
Your thyroid is crucial for the management of your metabolism, energy production, and other bodily functions. Synthroid or Levothyroxine replaces these important duties artificially with an oral pill. Those who suffer from hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, need this medicine.
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to milk supply issues too. Your doctor should watch thyroid levels closely while breastfeeding. Minimal amounts pass into breastmilk and have little effect on your baby. Plus, the benefits outweigh the risks for your health (and baby’s) because your thryoid must function properly, yup it’s that important!
10. Metformin
As a diabetic parent, you probably already know Metformin helps regulate insulin and balance sugar levels. Used in the medical field for decades, it’s also known to be safe while breastfeeding. [4] Metformin can help both parent and baby maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Work closely with your medical team for all medication decisions while breastfeeding. Diabetes can add complications during postpartum, like low milk supply. Ask about working with a seasoned lactation consultant to help you safely reach your feeding goals.
Go here for more safe medications!
Worrying About Breastfeeding & Medications? Ask Your Boise Lactation Expert
Adding a new member to the family comes with lots of questions. With experienced lactation guidance, life’s just easier. Imagine fewer worries and personal access to Melanie’s top resources!
No more searching for hours. Answers to your specific questions are readily available — so you can focus on bonding with your baby. We understand how busy and precious these moments are, and we want you to enjoy them.
Medications and breastfeeding can be tricky, so Baby Bonds always recommends you clear everything with your medical provider. If you’re not feeling well, so sorry and hopefully it passes soon. Now you can get some much-needed relief from a medication you can safely take while breastfeeding.
Rest up and hang in there!
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