Breastfeeding while you're treated for crash injuries
A breastfeeding medicine physician and a clinical pharmacist weigh in
A crash can disrupt feeding. Pain, surgery, time apart in the hospital or new medicines can all get in the way. Tell every doctor and nurse treating you that you breastfeed. Share your baby’s age, any health concerns and how your baby usually feeds. [1, 2]
Don’t turn down injury care you need or throw out milk because of a general rule. Many medicines can be used while breastfeeding. Still, each one needs its own review. [1, 2]
Have your medicines checked
Give the pharmacist a full list of your prescriptions, nonprescription products and supplements. Ask about each new pain medicine, antibiotic or sedative. LactMed is a specialist reference. It sums up how much of a drug gets into milk and how it may affect a baby. It also lists alternatives. [1, 3]
Some medicines call for a different choice or for watching the baby more closely. A blanket order to stop breastfeeding is rarely a good stand in for checking the exact drug. [1, 3]
Keep feeding going when you're apart
If you can’t feed your baby directly, ask for a pump and a safe way to store milk. Get help sticking to your usual schedule for removing milk, too. A lactation consultant can help you find a comfortable position if your arm, chest or belly is hurt. [2]
Ask who can bring your baby to you or drop off pumped milk. Your treatment may call for a short break from your usual feeding. If so, get a written plan for when and how to start again. [2]
Watch yourself and your baby
Your baby may be exposed to a new medicine you’re taking. Tell the baby’s doctor if your baby then seems unusually sleepy, feeds poorly or has trouble breathing. A baby who has trouble breathing or is hard to wake needs emergency care. Ask for help if your pain, tiredness or limited movement makes feeding unsafe on your own. [2]
Ask your care team about feeding
- Which of my medicines have been checked for breastfeeding?
- What should I watch for in my baby?
- How can I keep feeding going during treatment?
Update your medicine list
Write “breastfeeding” and your baby’s age on your medicine list. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1CDC, prescription medicines during breastfeeding
- 2ACOG, breastfeeding challenges
- 3National Library of Medicine, LactMed
The guidance above is general, from breastfeeding medicine and pharmacy experts. The right medicine choice depends on you, your baby, the dose and the treatment. Ask the doctor treating you and your baby’s doctor for a plan that fits you both.
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