Drugs And Breastfeeding
By Pauline Go
Abnormal usage of drugs during breastfeeding causes a phenomenal damage to the health of the child as most of the drugs tend to pass to the child through breast milk. The extent of the damage depends on the drug. Mothers should be aware of the dangers involved in using drugs during breastfeeding.
Quite a number of factors are involved while determining the safety of drugs for breastfeeding women. Route of administration determines the concentration of the drug in the breast milk. Medicines administered through intravenous and intramuscular route accumulate in higher concentration. Orally administered drugs take longer to reach the breast. Topical administration routes like inhalation and eyes reach the breast milk in very low and insignificant amounts. Other factors that influence include the amount of the drug and the dosage time interval in relation with breast feed interval. Infants find it difficult to clear the toxins from their body due to underdeveloped liver and kidney. Also, babies breast fed once or twice a day tend to receive lower concentrations of the drug.
However, there are certain tips by which babies getting exposed to drugs through breast milk can be minimized. Women should take pills only when they are absolutely necessary. One should avoid drugs that are based on sustained drug release principle as these drugs tend to last in the body for an extended period of time. Mothers can schedule the dosage interval so that lowest amount gets into the milk at the time of feeding. It is better to take the drug at night after feeding the baby.
It is important to note whether the baby develops any side effects such as rash, drowsiness, diarrhea and cough. It is important to consult the doctor immediately in such situations.
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About Author: Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like Choosing Cute Baby Names Tips, Benefits Of A Cesarean Section, Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition Diet Recipe, |
