Is it safe to take ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

Pain and discomfort after childbirth are common. Many women want to take medication to relieve their symptoms but may not know which medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. Fortunately, ibuprofen has been shown to be safe for mother and baby while breastfeeding.

Ibuprofen is unique in that it breaks down quickly and easily in the body. It does not accumulate in the body like other drugs. This is good because it reduces the amount of medication given to the child to an almost imperceptible amount.

Taking medication while breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food you can give your baby during the first year of his life. This helps provide them with important vitamins and nutrients, and meal times are a great way to bond with your baby.

However, almost any drug that is in the bloodstream will pass into breast milk. Therefore, it is very important for mothers to evaluate what they put into their bodies to make sure that it will not harm their baby. Knowing how you eat and drink affects your body and your baby. This can help you have a successful pregnancy and make sure your baby has everything they need to grow up happy and healthy.

Here are some helpful rules of thumb for taking medication while breastfeeding:

If the medicine is also prescribed for infants, the amount your baby will receive through breast milk should not be a problem.
You can reduce the amount of medicine in your breast milk by breastfeeding just before taking it.
Drink plenty of water and make sure your body is constantly hydrated.
Limit caffeine
Supplemental vitamins can greatly contribute to the health of you and your baby while breastfeeding.

Tips for taking ibuprofen while breastfeeding

Here are a few steps you can take to make sure ibuprofen is safe for your child:

Take only what you need: Take ibuprofen only when you need it and do not exceed the maximum daily dose. It is also worth considering other ways to relieve pain, such as applying a damp washcloth to your forehead.
Only take medicines for specific symptoms: Avoid medicines with ingredients you don't need or medicines that treat multiple symptoms.
Avoid stronger or longer versions of the medication: this may help reduce the chance of the medication appearing in breast milk.

While ibuprofen has been shown to be safe for mothers and babies while breastfeeding, other medications are not the same. For example, breastfeeding women should avoid taking aspirin and pepto-bismal, as well as aleve. Aspirin thins the blood and may increase a child's risk of bleeding. Aspirin has also been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition that causes swelling of the brain and liver.

When in doubt, your doctor can help you determine the safest options for you and your baby.

How much ibuprofen is safe while breastfeeding?

It is safe to take the recommended daily dose of ibuprofen while breastfeeding. In a recent study, one group of women received 400 mg of ibuprofen twice a day, while the other group received the same amount every 6 hours. When breast milk samples were subsequently taken, no traces of ibuprofen were found. While studies have shown no harmful effects, every woman should check with her doctor if she has questions or concerns about which medications are safe to take while breastfeeding.

Ibuprofen warnings while breastfeeding

Women with asthma or stomach ulcers should not take ibuprofen, as the drug may aggravate these conditions. Also, women who have a premature or low birth weight baby should check with their doctor before taking ibuprofen.

It should also be noted that just because ibuprofen is safe to take while breastfeeding does not mean it is safe to take during pregnancy. Medications such as ibuprofen have more potential complications during pregnancy and should be evaluated differently. For example, several studies have linked over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen to congenital disorders such as gastroschisis or persistent ductus arteriosus. Although such congenital disorders are extremely rare, it is always best to consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant or breastfeeding.