Is it safe for breastfeeding mothers to take medicines like paracetamol and aspirin?

Breastfeeding mothers often fret about popping pills when they’re sick. Will the medicine pass on to the breast milk? Does it have any adverse effects on the baby? These are natural questions that new mothers commonly stress about. So if you are also worried about the same, keep watching to get all the answers!

How medications generally work when you’re breastfeeding?

Mayo Clinic, a medicinal research institute in Minnesota, USA explained that if antibiotics are present in the mother’s bloodstream, they will also be present in her breast milk. But, its presence is much lower in the milk than in the bloodstream, so most medications pose no real risk to infants.

National Center for Biotechnology Institute of the United States says that common pills like paracetamol and low-dose aspirin are considered compatible with breastfeeding. But it is important to remember that the dose of these antibiotics must be on the lower side.

Are there any alternatives?

Ointments instead of oral medicines

If there is an ointment or lotion available which will also sooth your headache, then avoid the aspirin. By doing so, passing on the medicinal effect to your baby can be avoided.

Maintain gaps

Take the pill right after feeding your child. And try to pump and store some extra for the next feeding session. This way, the medicinal effect in your body will be a lot lower by the time your baby needs food again.

Seek professional advice

Taking advice from doctors, lactation consultants and discussing with breastfeeding peer counselors is always a smart way to clear all your doubts.