Breastfeeding mothers are often cautioned to be mindful of the things they eat or drink because whatever they ingest will make its way into their breast milk. The same advice is given for taking medication while breastfeeding.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most medications are transferred in low doses in breast milk and are safe to take. However, it is always recommended that your physician is consulted before doing so because there are exceptions. Some medicines can remain concentrated in breast milk.
Another reason to speak with your doctor is he or she can advise if your baby runs the risk of being affected by medications due to age or health condition. Babies who are premature, newborn or diagnosed with certain chronic health conditions run a high risk of having adverse reactions.
If the medicine you are taking is determined to be unsafe while breastfeeding, your physician may recommend that you stop nursing temporarily or permanently.
It is always good to know if substances you ingest may harm your nursing baby. Always remember to speak with your doctor before taking any medications, dietary supplements or herbal remedies.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.