You may be concerned about the safety of an antibiotic if you’ve been prescribed one while breastfeeding. Will the medication can be transmitted through breast milk? Is it safe for your baby?
Continue reading to find out the answers to your questions.
Antibiotics are medications that aid in the treatment of bacterial infections. They do this by either killing the bacteria or preventing them from replicating or reproducing.
Because they do not kill viruses, they should be used only if you have a confirmed bacterial infection.
When you’re sick, it’s best to let your body fight the infection on its own so that your immunity can build. This, however, is not always possible. If your infection isn’t improving, talk to your doctor about antibiotics.
Antibiotics are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) explains that “Antibiotics are one of the most common medications mothers are prescribed, and all pass to some degree into milk. In general, if the antibiotic would be administered directly to a premature infant or a neonate, then it is safe for the mother to take during breastfeeding.”
Also, according to Mayo Clinic, almost any drug that is present in your blood will transfer to some extent into your breast milk. Most medications work at low concentrations and ‘pose no real risk to most infants’
However, there are certain antibiotics, just a few, that can cause problems because they can be transmitted through breast milk and affect the baby’s bone growth, tooth development, and may worsen jaundice. As a result, any medication you use, including antibiotics, should be discussed with your child’s pediatrician. They can assist you in selecting an antibiotic that is safe for both you and your breastfeeding baby.
Antibiotics work by killing bacteria in your body, both harmful bacteria and “good” bacteria that keep you healthy. As a result, antibiotics can create a number of uncomfortable situations for both of you and your babies.
If you have to take antibiotics while breastfeeding your baby, you may notice that he or she has runny poop. The poop’s color may also change to green. This, however, does not require treatment and resolves itself as soon as you stop taking antibiotics.
When you take antibiotics while nursing, your baby may become a bit more unsettled and exhibit colic-like symptoms. You do not need to stop breastfeeding or cease the antibiotic course.
Antibiotics may alter the density of natural bacterial flora in the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea. Keep in mind, however, that this is usually brief and non-harmful. It’s also important to remember that breastmilk can help heal your baby’s gut and re-establish a healthy balance of gut bacteria, so it’s important to keep breastfeeding.
Thrush can affect both you and your baby. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. The treatment for this condition includes antifungal medications for both mom and baby. When taking an antibiotic, you can also take a probiotic to keep your gut bacteria happy and balanced.
Certain precautions can be taken to protect your baby from the side effects of antibiotics while nursing:
When you are prescribed antibiotics by your doctor, you should discuss the following topics with him or her:
When you’re taking medication, including antibiotics, keep an eye on your baby for changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash. If you notice any changes, notify your doctor right away.
Never, ever self-medicate, not even for the most minor medical condition. Before taking any antibiotics while nursing, consult your doctor to ensure that the drug is safe for the baby.
Another resource for you to consult is contacting a doctor online on MaNaDr app.
MaNaDr is best known as the healthcare ecosystem, which provides:
Using MaNaDr, you can also consult a doctor online or make an online appointment booking for your clinic visit if you need any help or have any concerns about antibiotics consuming
Download ManaDr for patient at:
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Reference: Healthline, Verrywellfamily, CDC
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