Medications during breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding and you have a cold, you may be suffering from not knowing what medication it is advisable to take. Quiet, because although the usual contrasts of summer temperatures have played a trick on you, or because of the cold of winter, here you will find many answers to your doubts

If you are breastfeeding and you have a cold, you may be suffering from not knowing what medication it is advisable to take. Quiet, because although the usual contrasts of summer temperatures have played a trick on you, or because of the cold of winter, here you will find many answers to your doubts. For starters, you will be surprised to know that most drugs are safe for the nursing baby.

Fear of drugs during breastfeeding

In this article we are going to dismantle a myth that exists around breastfeeding, because most of the drugs do not cause any problems for the baby during this period. Specifically, the Spanish Association of Pediatrics ensures that 'almost everything that is usually prescribed is compatible with breastfeeding'. In fact, only about half a dozen maternal diseases contraindicate or make breastfeeding practically impossible.

Removing drugs unnecessarily during breastfeeding has very negative consequences on the health of mothers, who prefer to suffer pain to follow the appropriate treatment; or in that of babies, who are weaned hastily and without any need.

Pregnancy and lactation are very different stages

When a fetus is developing, besides being part of the mother's body, the effects of a drug are completely unpredictable because in the laboratories experiments are done with animals and, simply, not you have information. In pregnancy, almost all medications pass through the placenta and the concentration of the drug in the child's and mother's blood is exactly the same.

However, during breastfeeding the amount of medicine the baby receives through breast milk is very small.

What you should know about the use of medicines in breastfeeding

1- It is mathematically impossible for an infant to take more medication through breast milk than the mother herself.

2- If the child can be given a drug without fear, it can also be given to the mother.

3- A dangerous medication may be compatible with breastfeeding if it passes in a small amount to the milk.

4- If a woman can take a drug during pregnancy without danger, I can also take it while breastfeeding.

5- If it is not absorbed orally, it can not harm the baby.

6- All topical drugs can be used during breastfeeding, because they act in one part of the body. This section includes ointments, eye drops, inhalers, bronchial and vaginal ovules.

7- If a nursing mother has a chronic treatment, the risk to the baby is less and less. Some experts recommend checking the babies at one month and three months of age, and if they are normal you can continue with the tranquility treatment.

8- Except in very special cases, the time at which the medication is taken does not matter in relation to breastfeeding.

Susana Torres. Collaborator of Guiainfantil.com and lactation consultant