It’s common for people to get sick, even during pregnancy and after giving birth. Some breastfeeding mothers may get sick frequently, and the first thing people often do when they’re sick is buy fever-reducing medicine to take themselves. However, if you’re breastfeeding, you shouldn’t buy medicine to take randomly, because some medicines can pass through breast milk and harm the baby. Some medicines can also cause a mother to have less milk. Today, we’ll tell you what medicines are forbidden for breastfeeding mothers, and how mothers need to take care of themselves during this time.
What are the prohibited medications for breastfeeding mothers?
Dr. Woranat Pakornrat, a general practitioner, advises breastfeeding mothers to avoid taking the following medications:
- Aspirin, which has antiplatelet properties
- Warfarin, which has anticoagulant properties
- Certain antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol, tetracycline, fluoroquinolone, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, and sulfapyridine, etc.
- Antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone
- Migraine medications in the ergotamine group
- Anticonvulsants such as lamotrigine and phenobarbital.
- Sleeping pills or anti-anxiety medication diazepam
- All types of antidepressants
- All types of antipsychotics
- Drugs in the corticosteroid group
- Some blood pressure medications, such as acebutolol.
- Birth control pills containing estrogen
Additionally, mothers should avoid taking chlorpheniramine, a medication used to treat various allergies, as it suppresses prolactin, which can reduce breast milk production. They should also avoid taking various chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer, as these drugs can suppress the baby’s immune system. If you’re taking vitamin A to treat acne, you should also avoid them, as prolonged exposure to these drugs through breast milk can cause liver problems in the future.
All of the above medications can cause different side effects when taken orally and can pass into breast milk. Aspirin can slow blood clotting and make a baby’s blood acidic, while ergotamine-based migraine medications can cause nausea , vomiting, or seizures in babies. However, if you absolutely must take these medications, you should stop breastfeeding and always consult your doctor before taking any medication.
Can breastfeeding mothers use topical medication? Is it dangerous?
Dr. Woranat further advises that topical medications are generally not passed through breast milk, so mothers can use them as normal, as they are absorbed through the skin and rarely enter the bloodstream. However, never apply medication to the nipples, as the baby could ingest the medication, potentially causing adverse health effects later in life.
Can breastfeeding mothers take this medicine with other foods?
When taking medication, it’s best to take it with water. Taking medication with food can lead to poor absorption or reduced absorption. Acidic drinks like orange juice and lemon juice can also reduce the effectiveness of the medication. If you take medication with these drinks, stop taking them and switch to water instead.
General advice on taking medication for breastfeeding mothers
Dr. Woranat advises against taking medication, stating that unless absolutely necessary, no medication should be taken while breastfeeding. Paracetamol may still be available if you have a fever, body aches, or a headache, in which case you can still take it. However, if you have other medical conditions, you should never self-medicate. It’s best to see a doctor first, as we don’t know which medications can negatively impact your baby through breast milk. Furthermore, you risk purchasing the wrong medication or taking the wrong medication. When taking medication as prescribed, you should strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. If you no longer need to continue taking the medication, you should stop taking it immediately. Always read the label carefully before taking the medication to avoid potential dangers.
How to take care of yourself while breastfeeding
Even after your pregnancy, you still need to take care of yourself. During breastfeeding, mothers should eat a balanced diet, avoiding fermented foods and MSG. Additionally, you should drink no more than one glass of tea, coffee , and soft drinks per day. However, avoid them if possible. If you have free time, you can pump and store breast milk for your baby to save even more time. Initially, mothers can check whether a medication is dangerous at www.e-lactancia.org/ by entering the name of the medication, such as Paracetamol. If it’s displayed in a green bar, it’s safe to take.
During this time, if you’re looking for a doctor’s consultation for minor ailments but don’t want to go to the hospital for fear of contracting COVID-19, you can access the Good Doctor app online. This app allows you to closely consult with a doctor, as well as receive medication from the doctor, which will be delivered right to your home. If you’re interested, you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Thailand
