$Unique_ID{BRK00209}
$Pretitle{Pregnancy and Childbirth}
$Title{Are Certain Drugs Okay to Use After Pregnancy?}
$Subject{pregnancy alcohol smoking safety}
$Volume{K-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Certain Drugs Okay to Use After Pregnancy?


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QUESTION:  I'm now eight and one-half months pregnant and I'm proud to say,
I've abstained from virtually all my vices and didn't even take an aspirin
when I had a headache throughout my pregnancy.  I am going to breast feed and
I'm wondering if it's possible for me to have an occasional alcoholic drink or
have a cup of coffee once again.  Also, is it safe for me to take aspirin or
an antacid?

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ANSWER:  Congratulations on your exemplary behavior during your pregnancy.
You've surely helped your baby during its development by abstaining from
everything you've mentioned.
     The key word in answering your questions about what is permissible while
breast feeding is the word occasional.  Although alcohol passes freely into
breast milk, moderate ingestion (up to two drinks a day for the mother) will
probably have an insignificant effect on your baby.  Binge drinkers and
chronic alcoholics, however, should not breast feed unless they abstain from
alcohol, as high levels of ethanol have been reported to cause sedation in
infants.
     Caffeine from coffee, colas, tea, chocolate and other sources is excreted
into breast milk in low amounts, but tends to accumulate in newborns when the
mother ingests a lot of it.  Therefore, you'll be within a relatively safe
range if you have less than 5 caffeinated beverages or products daily.  More
than that and your baby may become irritable and have poor sleep patterns.
     When you have a headache, it is permissible to occasionally take aspirin
or ibuprofin (nuprin, advil, etc.).  However, if you take aspirin too
frequently, your baby might bruise easily.
     If you need an antacid, choose one in which the main ingredient is
aluminum or magnesium as they are probably safe in minimal use.
     Other medications to treat various ailments may be permissible while
breast feeding, but make sure your doctor knows you are a lactating mom, so he
won't prescribe one that contraindicated.  Timing is critical when taking
medicine while breast feeding.  You should breastfeed your baby just before
taking a drink, having coffee, or any medication, and then delay nursing for
four hours.  The drugs or drinks you take will have their highest potency in
your milk a half hour to two hours after taking them.
      To the best of my knowlege, the above information concerns what is
"safe".  Being "sure" is something else again, and means continuing the
same rigid discipline you have demonstrated throughout your pregnancy.
Perhaps, after all, that would be the best plan of action.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
