Breastfeeding and pain meds?

Question

My son will be a week old tomorrow, and I am still taking Vicodin for pain. My doctor knows Im breastfeeding and Im sure he wouldn't prescribe me anything that could hurt him. But can I be drugging him? He seems so tired all the time, and I know newborns sleep alot, but he sleeps ALL the time.

Should I try regular tylenol and see if that works for the pain?

Answer 1

Take the smallest does possible.  But if you hurt, take the pain meds.  Some is excreted in breast milk.  Very very small doses.  Newborns can sleep up to 18 or more hours a day.  And they're not awake for long periods either.  Sleep is when babies grow.  1 week old isn't likely a time for the baby to be awake much.  There will be plenty of time for that later.  And the amount in the breast milk can make him a little drowsy, but not likely to harm him.  I'm still breast feeding my 10 month old and took pain meds for the first few weeks.  She became more alert even while I was still on pain meds.  If he's not nursing every 2 - 3 hours, then you'll need to wake him to eat.  But otherwise, he's likely doing just fine.  If horribly worried ask at your pediatrician.  He should be having a check-up soon.

Answer 2

Your doctor would not allow you to take something if not okay for the baby. Does he know you are breastfeeding? If not then maybe he should know. I would call and ask just to make yourself feel better. I was on the meds too and my son was okay and is now a healthy two year old. I would just call and ask to make sure. Also, just be lucky your baby sleeps mine did not sleep well until around six months old. Good luck and just check with your doctor to make your worries go away.

Answer 3

Yes please try motrin or tylenol and see if that helps. Narcotics are rated a C in breastfeeding and medication transfer - this is because there has never been any research conducted on narcotics in breast milk. There has been some studies though that show narcotics can decrease your milk supply.

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