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Questions about Medications and Mother's MilkWhat medications can I safely take while I'm providing breast milk for my baby? We like to answer this question individually for each mother and baby. That's why we don't provide a list of "safe" or "unsafe" medications. Instead, we want you to ask us, preferably before you begin taking something new. We look at the possible effects of the medication on your baby and on your ability to produce milk. How do I find out if a specific medication is safe? Our NICU team has lots of experience with medications and milk for babies. Your baby's nurse, nurse practitioner, doctor and pharmacist all know your baby very well, and can answer this question for you, or find someone who can. Why does the NICU team sometimes give different advice than my doctor or my pharmacist? The NICU team tries to find all information, from many different sources, that might help us decide on the best answer for you and your baby. Breastfeeding and medicine safety is not a topic that most doctors deal with every day. Many drugstore professionals use only one or two sources of information and don't have access to some of the specialized publications that help us make recommendations that keep your breast milk flowing for the baby. What about taking vitamins? We think mothers should continue to take their prenatal vitamins. Iron, vitamin D and calcium in particular are important to mothers of premature babies. Additional vitamin supplements aren't really needed. Vitamins A, D, E and K are stored by the body, and taking high doses of these vitamins is not a good idea. Ask before you start a vitamin other than your prenatal vitamin. What about herbal supplements? Many people think herbal supplements are natural and safe, but just because something is natural doesn't mean it's safe. Please ask us before beginning any nutritional supplement. We especially worry about two specific types of supplements:
Are there any medications that help milk supply? Milk supply problems sometimes respond to a medication called metoclopramide or Reglan. This medication, added to treatments such as more rest, frequent pumping, adequate fluids and good nutrition, can be very helpful to mothers. If you are worried about milk supply problems, talk to the Lactation Consultant first. Medications don't work very well unless all of the other treatments for low milk supply are in place. Reglan can have side effects, such as possible sleepiness, diarrhea and stomach cramping. You would take the medicine for about a week. The NICU team can contact your doctor to discuss whether Reglan would be right for you, and then your doctor can prescribe the medication for you. Do any medications hurt my milk supply? Some blood pressure medicines and allergy medicines can affect the "let down" reflex. Some forms of birth control also can decrease milk supply. Ask us if you have any questions about the effects of a medication on milk supply. Additional questions?
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