Breastfeeding Your Preterm Baby - Mount Sinai Hospital

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Medication Use and Breastfeeding Your BabyAs a new mother you may sometimes need to take medications. You mayalready have a health condition that requires taking medication or you may needan “over the counter” medication to help ease symptoms such as back pain, astuffy nose or a headache.If you are breastfeeding, you may be concerned about the effect that medicationmay have on your baby. This concern is normal. The following information willhelp you make the best choice about medications for you and your baby.What should I do if I am taking medications and I am or I want tobreastfeed?• Always tell your baby’s nurse or doctor if you are taking any medicine and arebreastfeeding.• Your doctor, pharmacist and/or lactation consultant can help you make thebest choices.Are medications dangerous/harmful for my breastfeeding baby?• Most medications are OK to take during breastfeeding. There are very fewthat actually cause harm to the nursing baby. Check with your doctor,pharmacist, or Motherisk at 416-813-6780.• If you are taking a medication that is considered unsafe for breastfeeding,there is often another choice of medication in the same class that can beused safely. Ask your pharmacist.• Some medications are OK to take as long as the nursing infant is closelymonitored for signs of side effects.What if the medication gets into the breast milk?• Most medications do pass into breast milk; however the amount of medicationthat is transferred to your nursing baby is usually too low to cause anyharmful effects.• With some medications, you can minimize the amount of drug your baby isexposed to by taking the medication at certain times, for example right afteryou breastfeed your baby. Your doctor or pharmacist can help set up afeeding and medication schedule.16 Feeding My Baby
Are “over the counter” medications safe while I ambreastfeeding?• Most “over the counter” medications such as laxatives, pain relievers, coughand cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding. However, it’s a good idea tocheck with your doctor, pharmacist or lactation consultant before starting anymedication while breastfeeding.Can I take herbal medicine while I am breastfeeding?• There is very little information about the safety of herbal products duringbreastfeeding. It’s best to avoid these products during the months when youare nursing your baby. Some caffeine free herbal fruit teas are nowconsidered safe. Ask your pharmacist.Is it safe to have alcoholic beverages while I am breastfeeding?• Alcohol passes freely into breast milk. Side effects have been reported in thebaby even after only moderate amounts of alcohol taken by the mother.Occasional use of alcohol, such as wine with dinner, does not mean you haveto stop breastfeeding. However, you should time breastfeeding your baby sothat most of the alcohol is cleared from your breast milk. It generally takestwo to three hours per drink for breast milk to be clear of alcohol. Drinkingbeer will not increase milk supply.Can I smoke while I am breastfeeding?• Avoid cigarette smoking while you are nursing. The nicotine in cigarettespasses into milk and may cause infant colic and decrease your milkproduction. Exposure of children to cigarette smoke before and after birthhas been shown to increase the risk for respiratory illnesses such as lunginfections and asthma and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).• Breastfeeding mothers are strongly encouraged to stop or to limit theirsmoking. If this is not possible, avoid smoking two to three hours before andduring breastfeeding, and do not smoke while in the same room with theinfant. If you are trying to quit smoking, certain products such as the nicotinepatch or nicotine gum can be used during breastfeeding. Ask you doctor orpharmacist.Is it safe to drink coffee while breastfeeding?• Drinking moderate amounts of coffee (i.e. 1-2 cups per day) duringbreastfeeding is considered safe. Breastfeeding mothers need to consider theamount of caffeine they take from all sources. Caffeine is found in many food17 Feeding My Baby
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Breastfeeding Your Preterm Baby - Mount Sinai Hospital

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