Weigh The Risks
When considering the risks of taking a particular medication while breastfeeding, it’s important to understand the nature of these risks, along with the risks of weaning. A physician will recommend...
View ArticleWill The Drug Affect Your Ability To Make Milk?
Some drugs do not harm the baby, but may affect your milk volume by suppressing the milk-making hormones. On the other hand, some conditions (i.e., hypothyroidism) can interfere with your ability to...
View ArticleWill The Drug Affect Baby
Many drugs taken by a mother make their way into her milk. The important question is not whether the drug gets into milk, but whether the levels in the milk are such that they will affect the baby....
View ArticleDo You Need The Drug?
Do you need the drug? Be honest. Trying to tough it out for several days may actually decrease your milk supply, and you may not be a very good mother to your baby during this time. Taking medicine may...
View ArticleAlternatives to Medication for Depression
Before taking antidepressants, consider alternatives. Some mothers who required antidepressants prior to having a baby have found that the relaxing effects of breastfeeding have enabled them to lower...
View ArticleSt. John’s Wort
While St. John’s wort (hypericum perforatum) has been scientifically shown to be an effective antidepressant, its safety for a lactating mother has not been proven. Some authorities believe it could...
View ArticleTricyclic Antidepressants
Most antidepressants in the tricyclic category are listed as “safe to take while breastfeeding,” except DoxetIn . Elavil (amitriptyline) is safe to take while breastfeeding. While an occasional dose of...
View ArticleLithium
Lithium is used to treat manic depression and is in the use with caution category while breastfeeding. If all alternatives have been explored and both you and your doctor believe that this drug is...
View ArticleAntidepressants and Weaning
Antidepressants and Weaning: Consider All Options Physicians sometimes recommend weaning while taking antidepressants or other psychiatric medications. Doctors do this because it seems to them the...
View ArticleSafe Medications for Yeast Infections While Breastfeeding
Safe Medications to Treat Yeast Infections While Breastfeeding I tend to get a lot of vaginal yeast infections. What can I safely take while breastfeeding? One of the oldest and safest medications to...
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