Breastfeeding While Taking Pain Medicines

Updated on November 30, 2008
G.S. asks from McKinney, TX
15 answers

Hello ladies!
I just delivered my fourth and final baby on Monday and am breastfeeding. I delivered via C-section and I'm still in quite a bit of pain. I'm taking motrin and alternating it with tylenol #3 every four hours. Have any of you heard of any adverse effects with these meds and breast milk? I was prescribed the tylenol #3 last year when I delivered my 15 month old but since then have heard that there may be some complications with that.

Thanks for the advice!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.T.

answers from Dallas on

You should be fine to tale Tylenol or IB. No effects for baby and some re;ief for you!

If you perineum is sore make a strong Comfrey tea and then dilute it in you peri bottle w warm water and squiet when you go to the bathroom.

Also remember to keep hydrated!

K.
Mom to 5
birth doula
Lamaze childbirth educator

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.F.

answers from Dallas on

I had three c-sections, my eldest had an episode that brought her to Cook Children's when she was 9 days old. Her urine was analyzed and as the docs already know, no medication from the breast milk was in her system. I took vicodan which is essentially the same meds you are taking. Take them, they will not hurt your baby and they allow you to move around more which helps you recover from the surgery more quickly so that you CAN take care of the baby.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Dallas on

I don't know about the Tylenol #3, but I'm assuming your doctor wouldn't prescribe it if it was bad for the baby. I breastfed after a C-Section and was prescribed percoset/percodan (I can't remember which one) and nine years later my "baby" is just fine! But I remember not wanting to be on the prescrip meds so I think within a week I was just taking motrin.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.J.

answers from Abilene on

I took tylenol 3/lortab, after my c-section. I also breastfeed till 6-7 month, and the doc, and ped both knew i was breastfeeding. It will just make your little one sleep more. Once your off the drugs, he/she will start to wake up more often. You need the meds,for pain, just start to wean yourself off them asap. I was off them by 1 1/2 weeks. Good luck!

ps. my son is perfactly fine....He's talking (mama,dada, sis, kit), taking steps, eatting from our plate (sometimes) and he's 9 1/2 months old.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/pain-meds.html

I went home on Ibuprofen the first time and Darvocet the second - but switched to ibuprofen pretty quickly. Nursed both times, no problems.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.B.

answers from Dallas on

Tylenol 3 contains Codeine. While Codeine is safe for most breastfeeding moms to take, there is a genetic mutation in a small number of moms which causes them to metabolize Codeine into Morphine more quickly than normal which can be dangerous to a newborn. Because of that, doctors are starting to avoid prescribing codeine-containing drugs to breastfeeding moms. You should take as little of the Tylenol 3 as you can, and watch your baby for any signs of sleepiness or lethargy. You could also talk to your doctor about whether there is another type of medication you could take instead.

L.P.

answers from Tyler on

I was prescribed pain killers following a bad epidural (had to go back in hospital for a second blood patch procedure a few days following delivery...ugh!) The problem I experienced was dehydration from the meds, my baby continued losing weight. I went to a lactation specialist and after another week of a frustrated baby and a frustrated mommy in a lot of pain, I began supplementing. That was all she wrote for nursing.

On a side note, my breasts remained about a cup size larger than they were before pregnancy. And happily, baby is now a healthy and vibrant 9 yr old! I just wish I had been able to nurse her as long as I did her older sister.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from Dallas on

I am not aware of any issues. This is what they gave me in the hospital; and I breast fed.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.B.

answers from Dallas on

Tylenol #3 has codiene and I wouldn't take it. Ask your pedia or call La Letche Leagus.
V. B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from Dallas on

I took both after both C-sections with no problems. You definitely don't want to miss a dose for the first week. After about 10 days I switched to just ibuprofen. Took the ibuprofen regularly for several days, then gradually less and less over the next week or two. Both kids did fine.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

As long as your OBGYN and the pediatrician both know and approve then it should be fine.

Congrats!! :)

B.C.

answers from Dallas on

I took darvocet after both kids and never had any problems. My sister took vicodin with all 3 of her kids and b/f and also never had any problems. We have straight A students and our younger ones are sheer geniuses! Sorry to brag, but they are! :)
Don't worry. Rest and take what you need to get you moving again.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.G.

answers from Dallas on

I also took pain meds after my c-section. It also helped with breastfeeding pain. Follow your doctors orders, they know what you can do safely.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Dallas on

I believe Tyl #3 is quite benign. As long as it isn't abused and taken as directed. They usually send women home with Vicodin and that has a higher dosage of narcotic so I would assume youi are ok. I have heard it can dehydrate you though which can affect supply so just make sure you drink alot of water. I hope your pain subsides soon!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.C.

answers from Dallas on

www.safefetus.com is a great refrence as well.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches