Can you take ibuprofen while breast feeding

Self-care is also helpful for minimizing pain, especially for people who are sleep-deprived and feeding a newborn. Breastfeeding women should drink plenty of water as dehydration can make muscle pain worse and decrease milk production. It can also help to sleep whenever possible, even if this involves asking for help from a partner or family member. Sleep is often lacking for the parents in that first week, and this can compound the experience of discomfort. If medication and natural remedies do not help with pain, a doctor should be able to offer advice on other options.

Research on the safety of ibuprofen during breastfeeding typically considers standard rather than large doses. It is essential that breastfeeding women take only the recommended dosage or the lowest amount that provides relief. If the pain is intense enough to warrant larger doses, it is best to speak to a doctor. Over-the-counter OTC ibuprofen is usually available in to milligram mg tablets. It is vital to read the label and not exceed the recommended daily maximum dosage.

A review of studies found no documented risks associated with exposing a baby to small quantities of ibuprofen through breast milk. A small study found that the amount of ibuprofen in breast milk decreased both over time and alongside the natural decrease in protein. Therefore, the longer a woman breastfeeds, the less ibuprofen may be present in her breast milk.

However, even during this period, there is no evidence that occasional use of ibuprofen can harm the baby. Many breastfeeding women receive conflicting advice about medication from friends, family, other parents, and even doctors. As with many medicines, traces of the over-the-counter OTC pain reliever may be transferred to your infant through your breast milk. Read on to learn more about ibuprofen and breastfeeding and how to keep your breastmilk safe for your baby. Nursing women can take ibuprofen up to the daily maximum dose without any negative impact on them or their children.

One older study from found that mothers who took milligrams mg of ibuprofen every six hours passed less than 1 mg of the medicine through their breast milk. For comparison, a dose of infant-strength ibuprofen is 50 mg. Even though ibuprofen is safe to take while breastfeeding, you should take no more than the maximum dose.

Limit the medicines, supplements, and herbs you put into your body to reduce the chance of side effects for you and your child. Use cold or hot packs on injuries or aches instead. This pain medicine can cause gastric bleeding. If you have asthma , avoid ibuprofen as it can cause bronchospasms.

Many pain relievers, especially OTC varieties, pass into breast milk in extremely low levels. Nursing mothers can use:. However, if you can take less, that is recommended. You can also take naproxen to the daily maximum dose, but this medicine should only be taken for a short period of time. For the health and safety of your baby, nursing mothers should never take aspirin.

If you take codeine while nursing, seek medical attention if your baby begins showing signs of side effects. These signs include:. With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breast-feeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a comprehensive list of safe medications. Recent research suggests that birth control methods that use both estrogen and progestin — such as combined birth control pills — don't affect milk production. For otherwise healthy women, it's OK to begin using combined birth control pills and other types of combined hormonal birth control one month after childbirth.

If you're breast-feeding and plan to take medication, check with your health care provider. Avoid taking unnecessary medications, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins and unusual supplements. Also ask about the timing. For example, taking medication immediately after breast-feeding might help minimize your baby's exposure.

However, different drugs peak in breast milk at different times. When you're taking medication, watch your baby for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact his or her doctor. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Generally, the amounts are very low and very few medicines are unsafe while you're breastfeeding.

But it's always best to tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist that you're breastfeeding. You can use some methods of contraception and some cold remedies, but not all. Always check with a GP, your midwife, health visitor or a pharmacist, who can advise you.

It's fine to have dental treatments, local anaesthetics, vaccinations including MMR, tetanus and flu jabs and most operations.