Health Tip: Medications and Breast Feeding

What's safe to take?

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(HealthDay News) -- Just as when they were pregnant, breast-feeding moms need to monitor the drugs they take, which could reach their infants.

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The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these medication guidelines for breast-feeding mothers:

• If you must take medications orally, take them just after breast-feeding, to give the medications time to travel through your system.
• Generally, acetaminophen and NSAIDs are safe pain relievers for nursing women, but always check first with your doctor.
• Don't take aspirin while breast-feeding, as it may lead to bleeding and skin rash in babies.
• Don't take antihistamines long-term while breast-feeding.
• Carefully monitor your baby for any side effects from your medications. Be especially aware of symptoms such as trouble breathing or skin rash.

-- Diana Kohnle