What can I drink while breastfeeding?

What can a nursing mother drink without harming the child? This question should be the number one question for any mother who wants to see her child healthy. It is very important to understand which products can be beneficial and which can cause allergic reactions and digestive disorders. It is necessary to understand the classification of such groups of products.

What can you drink while breastfeeding?

A woman's lifestyle, including diet and other behaviors, can affect her breast milk and therefore her baby. It is important for all breastfeeding mothers to take care of themselves so that they can provide the best care for their babies. This includes getting enough rest and eating right so that you have enough energy to care for your baby and avoid illness.

Breastfeeding mothers who generally have good diets produce healthy breast milk for their babies, even if they have some deficiencies. But chronically undernourished women who have very low levels of vitamins and minerals and low reserves in their bodies may produce milk that contains less than normal amounts of vitamins A, D, B6, or B12. These mothers can help increase the vitamin levels in their milk by improving their diet or taking vitamin supplements. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers consume about 2,700 calories each day (about 500 calories more than a non-pregnant, non-lactating woman). Drinking enough water is also a prerequisite for producing enough milk.

What can a nursing mother drink in the first month? If the pregnancy was healthy and the birth went well, then in principle the best drink is water. Water makes up a larger amount of cell fluid, so it helps restore balance better than any liquid. Water helps to enhance the milk formation process itself, by increasing the volume and amount of milk synthesized by the cells.

How much water should a nursing mother drink? The answer to this question varies from person to person because we have different weights. It also depends on how active you are, as well as the weather; for example, you drink more water on really hot days or when you are working. A general rule of thumb is that a person who is not breastfeeding needs about 8 cups of water a day (1.8 liters), so a nursing mother needs about 12 cups of water a day (2.8 liters). This is what you should aim for. However, the most important thing you can do is listen to your body. You can do this very easily by drinking a glass of water every time you feed. Most babies feed 8 to 12 times a day, so you will be getting at least 8 cups of water this way. There is another way to replenish the fluids in your body if you do not like the taste of water. Read also: Can a nursing mother drink juices and which ones?

Often mothers use fruit flavoring of water, it is very easy to make and it gives it a pleasant aroma. You can make many combinations of fruits to give the water different tastes.

What liquids should you avoid? There are liquids that you should avoid, or at least reduce, early in lactation. These include sugary and fruity drinks. It’s true that when you’re breastfeeding, you need to take in extra calories to support milk production, but those calories should come from nutrient-dense foods and drinks.

A cup of green tea can be a very nice and even healthy way to start the day and an alternative for a mother who does not like water. It is actually safe to drink green tea when consumed in moderation as it will not have any adverse effects on the baby. [ 1 ] About two cups per day, each cup is about 237 ml, is safe. Green tea is rich in several antioxidants, but also contains caffeine. One cup (237 ml) contains about 29 mg of caffeine, while daily caffeine intake (from all beverages) during lactation should not exceed 300 mg per day.

Apple juice is one of the few that are safe to drink while breastfeeding. It is a good source of calcium, iron, folate, and vitamins A and C. When breastfeeding, you need a good supply of all these nutrients. During pregnancy, your iron levels decrease. During lactation, you need to strengthen your body with iron-rich foods. Lack of calcium leads to weak bones and low milk production, as it is the main part of breast milk. Apple juice is also a good source of fiber, potassium, and phosphorus. As a breastfeeding mother, you can safely drink apple juice on a regular basis.

Apple juice is definitely a better option than citrus juices, which can make the milk sour. The acidity in milk can irritate the delicate digestive organs of babies. Excess vitamin C in breast milk can also cause rashes in babies. Continue drinking apple juice unless it causes discomfort to your baby. If your baby is fussy or sick after feeding, check your diet to see if apples could be causing the problem. Although apple is a safe food to eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding, some babies may have an adverse reaction to it.

The best way to drink apple juice is to make it fresh at home, do not add artificial sweeteners to it, and consume it at room temperature.

In any case, there are products that a mother can drink, but it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of each child, and if there is a reaction to something, then this drink should be excluded.

What should a nursing mother drink to prevent her baby from getting colic? Colic in babies is characterized by excessive crying and periods of fussiness, mainly caused by gas, which leads to pain. Certain foods or drinks eaten by a nursing mother contribute to colic, but there are many possible causes of colic.

Cow's milk was thought to be irritating to the intestines during the first few weeks of a baby's life, and the mother should avoid anything containing it: lactoglobulin, casein, lactalbumin, sodium caseinate, and whey. So it is excluded for the first three months.

The amount of caffeine excreted in breast milk is typically less than 1% of the amount consumed by the mother, and moderate caffeine consumption does not appear to have any adverse effects on infants.[ 2 ] Since no caffeine has been detected in the infant's urine when the mother drinks up to three cups of coffee per day, it is unlikely that infants experience comparable exposure to caffeine. However, if the mother consumes more caffeine in one day than is found in 5 cups of coffee (750 ml), the caffeine may begin to accumulate in the infant's system, causing symptoms of caffeine stimulation.[ 3 ]

If you exclude these drinks, you can try to drink the rest and watch the baby's reaction. If everything is fine, the baby will be calm. What you can definitely drink when a baby has colic is water, the safest and most familiar drink. Therefore, mothers can definitely drink water, but not carbonated.

What should a nursing mother drink to have milk? You need to drink more water. Breast milk consists of 88% water, so if you do not drink at each feeding, your body will soon become dehydrated. Lactation tea is a special drugstore product that can be drunk instead of regular tea and will also be very useful for your child. Tea ingredients such as fennel and coriander promote healthy lactation.

What alcohol can a nursing mother drink and can she drink it at all? A toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, a compound called acetaldehyde, does not pass into breast milk at all. But that doesn’t mean that drinking and breastfeeding can’t be risky. Of course, it’s important to distinguish between a few occasional drinks, such as a beer or a glass of wine with dinner, and binge drinking. If it’s an occasional drink of a few grams of wine, it won’t have a serious impact on the baby. But you should be aware that each subsequent use of alcohol can cause negative consequences for the baby. [ 4 ], [ 5 ]

Medicines during lactation

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding? This is a very important question because medications can not only cure, but can also cause great harm. While many medications are safe when you are breastfeeding, most medications pass into your milk and can even affect your milk to some extent. To be on the safe side, consult your doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications. The amount of medication that passes into breast milk and how it affects your baby depends on factors such as the type of medication, the dose, and how it is taken.

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding? [ 6 ] While traces of medications can pass into breast milk, the amounts are so small that they are generally considered harmless. However, some medications, no matter the dosage, can have adverse effects on your baby and should be avoided.

If you're feeling really bad, there's no need to go through it without medication - you've probably been doing just fine during your pregnancy. But it's worth thinking before you dive into taking any medications.

If you can't get to your doctor or pharmacist, a good rule of thumb is that if a medicine is available in a child-friendly form, or if it's commonly prescribed for infants, it's generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding.

• What is the best way to take medications while breastfeeding?

If taking medication is unavoidable and you’ve found a medication that’s safe to use, you can go for it – but there are still ways to minimize the effects on your baby. If possible, take any medications right after feeding your baby. This will allow more time for the medication to be metabolized before the next feed. If you have a choice, go for drops and sprays for use, as these topical forms have less systemic impact. Avoid “combination” medications. Choose single-ingredient medications rather than those that contain several active ingredients. Check whether the medication might reduce your milk intake so you can be prepared.

Is it better to stop breastfeeding when taking medication? No – the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh the risks associated with low levels of medication in breast milk. Plus, suddenly stopping breastfeeding without weaning your baby will cause unnecessary distress for both of you. You may have engorged breasts, which can lead to mastitis and blocked ducts. And changing milk types can sometimes upset your tummy and disrupt your baby’s digestion if you switch to formula, even temporarily.

• What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

Many forms of pain medications and other treatments that could not be safely taken during pregnancy are okay while you are breastfeeding.

Here are some common medications you can take even if you're breastfeeding:

• paracetamol and ibuprofen (but not aspirin)
• antacids for upset stomach
• laxatives
• Asthma inhalers.
• Anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots). Warfarin and heparin are bound to proteins in the blood and are therefore less likely to pass into breast milk. If you need to take these medications, check to see if your baby has a vitamin K injection at birth. If any of the anticoagulants do pass to your baby, vitamin K as a coagulant may help counteract any potential effects.
• corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) injections
• vaccinations. This includes flu and tetanus. In fact, immunity from things like seasonal flu can be passed on to your baby and can help prevent the flu.

What medications are not safe to take while breastfeeding?

1. Aspirin: This has been linked to Reye's syndrome in infants, [ 7 ] and should be avoided completely while breastfeeding (unless prescribed by your doctor as an antiplatelet drug for something like heart disease). [ 8 ] While Reye's syndrome is rare, it can be dangerous and can be fatal. Symptoms can include vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, and seizures.
2. Codeine is a painkiller. Codeine is commonly found in over-the-counter combination medications such as Nurofen Plus, Solpadeine Plus, and Syndol. It was previously considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but codeine has now been shown to be toxic to breastfed infants ]. [ 9 ]
3. Decongestants often contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine.
4. Guaifenesin. This is an expectorant that helps clear mucus and is often found in cough syrups. It should not be used during breastfeeding because it may increase the baby's heart rate.

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How to treat diseases in a mother who is breastfeeding

There are many questions regarding what medications can be used for different illnesses in the mother.

What can a nursing mother drink for a cold, flu, acute respiratory viral infection? First of all, you can use various folk remedies that will not harm. Drink plenty of water and take warm baths. Take additional vitamin C from foods, juices, or in the form of a vitamin. Echinacea is generally considered safe for nursing mothers.

Often, a viral infection is accompanied by nasal congestion, which creates many problems. How to deal with it? Instead of a decongestant, try a saline nasal spray. One of the most gentle and safe ways to relieve nasal/head congestion is a saline nasal spray. You can buy a pre-filled bottle like Humer, or better yet, mix it at home and save money.

Steam treatment: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then remove from heat and add a few drops of essential oil if desired, such as lavender or lemon. Place a bath towel over your head and inhale deeply for 5 minutes. Repeat several times a day.

What antiviral medication can a nursing mother take? One of the few such medications is Erebra. This is a herbal antiviral medication that is based on sea buckthorn, so it may be harmless.

What can a nursing mother drink for a cough and sore throat? Drink hot lemonade with honey. Or make a mixture of one part lemon juice and two parts honey. Drink fenugreek tea to relieve a sore throat and cough.

Salt gargles also help relieve coughs and sore throats. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gargle the entire mixture (do not swallow) several times a day.

Mix 1-6 teaspoons (1/3 - 2 tablespoons) of vinegar in a glass of water; you can mix it as much as you can stand it. Gargle with one sip and repeat this twice. Do this every hour or as needed.

Also, most cough syrups do not pose a serious risk to you or your baby while breastfeeding. However, as recommended, you should always talk to your doctor before taking cough syrup or taking medications while breastfeeding. Chemicals in cough syrup can pass into your breast milk.

Cough syrup is designed to soothe an itchy, sore throat and provide a mild pain-relieving effect. You can buy most forms of cough syrup without a prescription. Cough syrups are generally classified as antitussives. They loosen mucus and phlegm in the throat and lungs. Active ingredients may include codeine, benzoate, pseudoephedrine or carbetapentane. Ingredients vary by brand.

Codeine easily passes into breast milk. Therefore, cough syrups with this composition should not be taken. If you decide to take cough medicine while breastfeeding, the dosage is very important. Taking more than the amount indicated on the package or recommended by your doctor can increase the concentration of the medicine in your milk. This increases the likelihood of harm to your baby. Also, do not mix medications at the same time, as this can increase their effect.

What can a nursing mother drink for fever? Such drugs include paracetamol [ 11 ] and ibuprofen. [ 12 ]

What can a nursing mother drink for pain? Paracetamol and ibuprofen are also recommended here. Ibuprofen has more pronounced properties as a painkiller.

For stomach pain, a nursing mother can take antacids - Almagel, Phosphalugel. These drugs simply coat the stomach, are not absorbed, and therefore do not penetrate into breast milk.

What can nursing mothers drink for blood pressure? Most high blood pressure medications pass into breast milk in very small amounts. Many drugs used to treat high blood pressure during pregnancy are considered safe when breastfeeding, but they are not all created equal. For example, some beta blockers are found in breast milk in large quantities and may not be ideal for breastfeeding. Also, diuretic drugs used to treat high blood pressure are considered safe for the baby when breastfeeding, but they can affect the milk supply. Therefore, adjustments to high blood pressure treatment should be made after delivery directly with your doctor.

What sedatives can a nursing mother take? A very differentiated approach is needed here. [ 13 ] If a woman simply has anxiety, then simple chamomile tea with mint and lemon balm can help. But there are cases of postpartum depression, then medications are prescribed by a doctor. Not all antidepressants are safe for breastfeeding, [ 14 ] but there are several factors. Commonly prescribed antidepressants such as paroxetine, sertraline, or amitriptyline are among those considered safe during breastfeeding. [ 15 ] Fluoxetine is not considered a safe option because it has a long half-life in breast milk and can lead to accumulation of the drug in the baby's body.

What can a nursing mother drink for cystitis? Here the answer can be unambiguous, since only one drug can be taken by pregnant and nursing mothers - Monural. The drug is in the form of a powder for single use. One dose allows you to create such a concentration of antiseptic in the bladder, which helps solve the problem of cystitis.

What can a nursing mother drink for diarrhea and poisoning? Here you need to first adjust your diet, restore the volume of lost fluid, and then proceed to medication. Do not take anything for 24 hours to give your body a chance to get rid of whatever is causing the problem. Drink plenty of clear liquids (avoid apple and pear juice, as they can worsen symptoms). Gradually add semi-solid, low-fiber foods to your diet, such as dry toast, eggs, and rice, and avoid dairy products, fatty foods, and high-fiber foods until the diarrhea returns to normal.

What can a nursing mother drink for constipation? Stool can be softened with yogurt or probiotics. You can use different probiotics, because their use can even be beneficial. [ 16 ] Among drugs, Domperidone is considered safe, as only very low levels pass into breast milk. In fact, high doses are sometimes used to treat reflux in infants. It is also sometimes known as Motilium.

What can a nursing mother drink for allergies? There are allergy medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding. Just be careful because some allergy medications are often combined with other drugs in a single liquid or tablet. To limit your baby's exposure, it's best to avoid products that address multiple symptoms at once or have more than one active ingredient.

Antihistamines that relieve allergies are generally considered safe. But keep in mind that so-called first-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine, can potentially cause sedation in your baby (as they may in you), while second- and third-generation drugs, such as loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra), are less harmful. [ 17 ]

What can a nursing mother drink to boost her immunity? Elderberry infusion has been used for centuries in Europe to ease flu symptoms, including muscle aches, coughs, and fever. The best-studied standardized extract of black elderberry is Sambucol. According to research, it increases the production of inflammatory cytokines, chemicals that stimulate the immune system and strengthen its ability to fight off invaders. As a preventative, take two teaspoons of elderberry syrup or two tablets daily. Specifically, vaccinations protect not only mother but also baby.

The use of any medications during breastfeeding, as well as during pregnancy, should be discussed with a doctor. If a young mother has a headache or pain in another location, then in such cases, children's painkillers can be taken. In other situations, before taking medications, you need to read the instructions and make sure that the drug will not harm the child.

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