Breastfeeding & NSAIDs

NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to reduce pain, fever, swelling and inflammation. WebMD explains that some NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes and proteins in the body such as those that cause heavy menstrual bleeding that a woman may endure post-partum and throughout the time that she breastfeeds her baby.

Types

There are two types of NSAIDs a breastfeeding mother could take, over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription. OTC NSAIDs include Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen,) Aleve (naproxen sodium) and Bayer and Bufferin (aspirin.) Prescription NSAIDs include but are not limited to Celebrex (celecoxib,) Naproxen (naprosyn) and Clinoril (sulindac.)

Safety

In a peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), "American Family Physician," doctors state that short half-life NSAIDs, such as Aleve, Advil and Motrin are safe for use by breastfeeding mothers. Ibuprofen (Motrin) is the doctors' first choice however as clinical studies have proven that an insignificant amount of the medication transfers from the mother to the baby through the breast milk. While a doctor may safely prescribe prescription NSAIDs to breastfeeding woman, the long half-life of the medications puts them on a list of drugs to use with caution.

Dosing

It is recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians to take NSAIDs before your baby's longest sleeping period so that the medication has time to exit your system. Additionally they suggest that you feed your baby just before taking NSAIDs if you must take them multiple times a day, so that the concentration of the medicine in your breast milk is at its lowest point.

Complications

As with all medications, even those passing through in low concentrations through your breast milk, it is possible for your baby to suffer from adverse side effects. Keep a close eye on your baby when taking NSAIDs, which the AAFP says could include a rash or troubles with breathing. If you notice any symptoms that your baby did not have prior to taking the medication, you should contact your health care provider or call 911 in the case of an extreme reaction.

Warnings

Since the concentration of medicine consumed in the breast milk is different for each baby, those with premature babies or unhealthy babies should consult with their health care provider before taking any medication. They may have an adverse effect on the baby that would not normally happen with an average size healthy infant. Do not take any prescription NSAIDs without consulting your doctor first if you are breastfeeding.