This ingredient can not only affect your baby, but it is also known to cause a dramatic decrease in milk supply and production. Afrin is a nasal spray form of a decongestant. According to MilkWorks, nasal sprays like Afrin absorb poorly through the nasal passages.
Do herbs increase or decrease milk supply?
Other herbs that may cause a milk supply reduction in some mothers if consumed in large quantities include: Fennel seed and verbena leaf are commonly used milk-boosting herbs in Chinese medicine but may cause a decrease in milk supply if used long-term.
Does decaffeinated tea increase milk supply?
An increase in stress hormones can lead to the tightening of the capillaries in the breasts, slowing down the communication of nerves and hormones telling your body to produce milk. Try drinking decaffeinated tea instead, like oat straw tea, which could boost your milk supply, or a lactation shake mix like this one.
Does fennel increase milk supply?
Fennel seed and verbena leaf are commonly used milk-boosting herbs in Chinese medicine but may cause a decrease in milk supply if used long-term. A cup of tea or a bite here and there won’t likely affect your supply, but sensitivity to herbs will be different from mother to mother.
Can I suppress milk supply with allergies?
I am looking through the Medications and Mothers' Milk book written by Dr. Thomas Hale and every pill for allergies that is safe warns that it could suppress milk supply. Nose sprays seem to be a better bet.
Does Afrin affect breast milk supply?
Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn't have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.
What decongestant will dry up breast milk?
Take Sudafed. Pseudoephedrine, or Sudafed, is a common over-the-counter decongestant. Research shows the Sudafed causes a noticeable decrease in milk production. Like birth control, Sudafed should only be used to suppress lactation under the supervision of a doctor.
Does decongestant affect milk supply?
Decongestants. Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are generally considered to be safe for the breastfed baby, but pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply.
What medications can decrease breast milk supply?
Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can affect your breast milk supply....Examples include:Zyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine)Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)Aleve-D Sinus and Cold (naproxen/pseudoephedrine)
How do I know if my milk is drying up?
What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they're getting. ... Lack of weight gain. ... Signs of dehydration.
How can I increase my milk supply quickly?
You can increase your milk supply by:Nursing your baby often. ... Nurse your baby at least 15 minutes at each breast. ... Gently massage breast before and during feedings.Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote the flow of breast milk.Provide skin to skin time with your baby for about 20 minutes after feeds.More items...
Will my milk supply come back after taking Sudafed?
2. Avoid medications that affect milk supply. Some medications, like pseudoephedrine for congestion (found in Sudafed), can reduce milk supply. Most medications are fine for breastfeeding parents (or there is an acceptable substitute), so just check before you take something.
Will Sudafed decrease milk supply?
Also, Sudafed may reduce the amount of milk your body makes. One small study showed that over a 24-hour period, Sudafed decreased the women's milk production by 24 percent. If you take Sudafed while breastfeeding, you should monitor how much milk your body makes.
Does Sudafed dry breast milk?
Sudafed is used off-label to dry up breast milk and may cause irritability in breastfed infants.
Why would my milk supply drop suddenly?
A Sudden Drop in Milk Supply can be caused by a number of issues: Lack of sleep, your diet, feeling stressed, not feeding on demand, skipping nursing sessions, and Periods. However, with a few tweaks here and there you can bring your Breastmilk supply back quickly. Some women simply can't breastfeed.
Does Flonase decrease milk supply?
Most allergy medication are considered safe for use while breastfeeding and will not impact your milk supply. However, it helps to identify which allergy symptom you are trying to treat when you decide to take a medication.
What medications can cause drowsiness in infants?
Laxatives (Metamucil, Colace) Antihistamines (such as Claritin; Benadryl is also safe but may cause infant drowsiness) Decongestants (Afrin, Allegra, and so on), but not those containing pseudoephedrine, which can decrease milk supply. Most antibiotics.
What is the name of the database for breastfeeding?
You can also check out the National Library of Medicine's Drug and Lactation database ( LactMed ), the Infant Risk Center or MotherRisk for more information on which medications are safe and which aren't when you're breastfeeding your little one.
Can you breastfeed if you are sick?
Breastfeeding When You're Sick. Postpartum Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Conquering Postpartum Constipation. In the meantime, just about every OTC and pre scription medication simply carries a warning (on the label, package or both) to consult a doctor before taking it if you're nursing.
Can you stop a baby from taking medication while breastfeeding?
In some cases, a less-safe medication can safely be discontinued while a mom is breastfeeding, and in others, it's possible to find a safer substitute. When medication that isn't compatible with breastfeeding is needed short-term, ...
Can sudafed reduce milk supply?
And some medications should be avoided because they can reduce your milk supply, including (but not limited to): Pseudoephedrine, an antihistamine (Sudafed) The research jury is still out on other medications (certain classes of antihistamines, for instance, or some antidepressants).
Can you take ibuprofen while breastfeeding?
The most recent research indicates that most medications can be used safely during breastfeeding. These include (but are not limited to): Most medications for chronic conditions (such as for asthma, heart conditions, thyroid disease, high blood pressure and diabetes) Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Do drug makers have to disclose breast milk?
Under the new rules, drug-makers must disclose the amount of the drug that ends up in breast milk and any potential side effects on breastfed babies, along with details on any human and animal studies that have been done and any adverse reactions in breastfeeding women.
Can I Breastfeed While Sick?
Yes, you can breastfeed even if you're sick. Breastfeeding while sick is still healthy for you and your baby. Continuing to breastfeed is also a good reminder to keep yourself fully hydrated. You need ample hydration to make breast milk, and it also helps relieve symptoms.
Cold and Allergy Medicine Safe for Breastfeeding
The following medicines are considered safe for nursing parents, but it's always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider or pediatrician before taking any new medications. Some medications can reduce your milk supply. 3
Medications to Avoid
The following are not recommended for nursing parents. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications, because some medications can reduce your breast milk supply or affect your baby's sleep. 3
Alternative Cold Medicines and Remedies
In addition to common over-the-counter (OTC) medications, some alternative remedies can help treat symptoms of common illnesses (like colds), such as:
Summary
There are a number of OTC and prescription medications available to treat colds and the flu. Some, in small doses and for a short period of time, may be safe, while others can have side effects for both the breastfeeding parent and the baby. The best way to know if a medication is safe for use is to check with a healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Breastfeeding your baby can be a very rewarding and bonding experience, but having a cold or the flu can impact your routine. The best way to get better is to stay calm, rest, and hydrate often.
What causes a drop in breast milk supply?
Many factors may affect breast milk supply. Some of these are: High blood pressure. Obesity.
Why does my baby drink less milk?
If a baby drinks less milk because of the bad taste or they experienced tummy issues from drinking that taste , this may cause your milk supply to decrease. Cabbage specifically has been used by many women to treat breast engorgement for years.
Why is breastfeeding important for babies?
Although breastfeeding takes practice for both mother and baby, it is such a special time to bond. Breast milk provides babies the much-needed nutrients, antibodies, and other essential components as well as an emotional satisfaction to the mother.
How long does it take for milk to come back after taking peppermint tea?
If you stop taking peppermint oil, then you will notice that the milk production is back to normal within 2 to 3 days.
What fruit is good for breast milk production?
Chasteberry. It is a dried fruit that women may eat without having any idea of its adverse effects on the breast milk production process. This fruit is used for many reproduction-related problems in women. Mothers who have an issue related to the overproduction of milk also prefer eating this dried fruit.
What herbs can help with milk supply?
rosemary. thyme. lemon balm. Fennel seed and verbena leaf are commonly used milk-boosting herbs in Chinese medicine but may cause a decrease in milk supply if used long-term. A cup of tea or a bite here and there won’t likely affect your supply, but sensitivity to herbs will be different from mother to mother.
Does peppermint oil help with breast milk?
Peppermint. Peppermint oil is well known for reducing breast milk production . Women take it in different forms, such as peppermint candies, peppermint tea, or direct ingestion of oil to treat fever, headaches, etc. Eating several real peppermint candies multiple times a day will show its effects in a few days.
Summary of Use during Lactation
Although no information exists on the use of oxymetazoline specifically during breastfeeding, very little should reach the infant through breastmilk because of the local administration and limited absorption into the maternal bloodstream. It is recommended over oral systemic decongestants such as pseudoephedrine during breastfeeding.
Drug Levels
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Drug Class
Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S.