Safe medicines for Nursing Moms

Nursing moms got sick too and just like everyone else, we need rest and to take medicines to get well. My OB, DocD complied this list. According to her, usually most drugs are safe to take during breastfeeding as this period is not as sensitive as during pregnancy period.

Here’s some of the basic drugs:

• Antacids: Used to treat upset stomachs
• Clotrimazole: Used to treat yeast and fungal infections
• Contraceptives (progestin-ONLY): Used for birth control
• Decongestant nasal sprays: Used to treat stuffy noses
• Erythromycin: Used for skin and respiratory infections
• Fexofenadine/Loratadine: Antihistamine for allergies and hay fever
• Ibuprofen: Used for pain relief
• Inhalers, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids: Used for asthma
• Insulin: For diabetes; dosage required may drop up to 25 percent during lactation
• Laxatives, bulk-forming and stool softening: Used to treat constipation
• Penicillins (e.g. Amoxicillin): Used to treat bacterial infections
• Tretinoin: Cream used for acne. Avoid contact of cream with infant.

Please see list at DocD’s website:  Which Drugs are Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?

From DocD: An additional tip for all breastfeeding mothers, when you feel that you are about to get sick or you feel that you have caught a virus, do NOT stop breastfeeding. You may continue to feed your baby but make sure to wear a face mask and change it 3-4x a day. The cold virus is not spread through the breastmilk but via air droplets. It also helps to drink 2-3 liters of water a day to get the virus out of your system right away.

You can contact DocD thru her site and she will be more willing to answer women’s health and parenting related questions.

I am so proud that you are determined to breastfeed your baby.  The experience will surely be wonderful. I am wishing you a great start.  Read more on the topics about breastfeeding below.

More topics on Breastfeeding 101

•  Breastfeeding for Newborn
• Safe medicines for Nursing Moms