Breastfeeding And Laxatives: What's Safe?

Breastfeeding mothers can take laxatives, but it is important to consult a doctor before doing so. Osmotic and bulk laxatives are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers because they are not well-absorbed by the intestine, so very little gets into the bloodstream and breast milk. Examples of osmotic laxatives include magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and sodium bisphosphate (Osmoprep). On the other hand, mineral oil, a lubricant, can enter the bloodstream and breast milk in larger amounts, so it should be used with caution.

While laxatives can be helpful in treating constipation, it is recommended to try natural remedies first, such as increasing water intake, consuming high-fibre foods, and exercising regularly.

Osmotic laxatives are safe for breastfeeding mothers

These medications are not well absorbed by the intestine, so very little is expected to get into the person's bloodstream. This means that only a small amount of the medication will be passed on to a nursing infant.

However, it is important to note that osmotic laxatives can cause some side effects such as gas, bloating, nausea, and diarrhoea. They can also cause abdominal cramping, which is common postpartum due to the uterus contracting and shrinking back to its normal size. Breastfeeding stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone that triggers the uterus to contract, so cramping may be stronger during this time.

Before taking any medication, it is always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Mineral oil should be used carefully

While it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to take laxatives, mineral oil should be used carefully. Mineral oil is a lubricant laxative that can enter the bloodstream in small amounts, and may be present in greater quantities in breast milk.

Mineral oil is poorly absorbed orally, so it is unlikely to reach the infant's bloodstream or cause adverse effects. However, repeated use of mineral oil should be avoided as it may cause a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins. It is also important to avoid using mineral oil or ointments containing mineral oil on or near the breast, as this may expose the infant to high levels of mineral paraffins if they lick the area. Only water-miscible cream products should be applied to the breast.

Mineral oil can accumulate in the body over time from the application of cosmetics, such as sunscreen, hand cream, and lipstick. Therefore, it is recommended to check the ingredients of any cosmetics you use and opt for water-miscible alternatives if possible.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication, including laxatives, while breastfeeding. They can provide personalized recommendations and advice based on your individual circumstances.

Stool softeners are safe to take while breastfeeding

Stool softeners are a type of laxative that is commonly used to treat constipation. They work by pulling water into the intestines, which softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. Common stool softeners include docusate sodium (Colace®) and glycerin.

When it comes to breastfeeding, it is natural to be concerned about the safety of any medications or treatments. The good news is that stool softeners are generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding. This is because they are not significantly absorbed through the intestines, and therefore, only very small amounts are passed into the breast milk. This means that you can safely take a stool softener to relieve constipation without worrying about any negative effects on your nursing infant.

One example of a safe stool softener to take while breastfeeding is Miralax (polyethylene glycol 3350), which is available over the counter. The active ingredient in Miralax is only minimally absorbed by the body, so there is very little risk of it affecting your baby. However, it's always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication, especially when breastfeeding.

In addition to stool softeners, there are also some natural remedies that you can try to relieve constipation. These include increasing your water intake, consuming high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and engaging in light to moderate exercise. Making these dietary and lifestyle changes can help to soften your stool and stimulate more frequent bowel movements, providing relief from constipation without the need for medication.

Overall, if you are experiencing constipation while breastfeeding, you can rest assured that stool softeners are a safe option to help ease your discomfort. However, it is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure the best treatment for your individual circumstances.

Laxatives can cause infant diarrhoea

Laxatives can be used by breastfeeding mothers, but they may cause infant diarrhoea. While most laxatives are either not absorbed or only minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, leading to low or negligible levels in breast milk, some laxatives can be passed on to the infant in small amounts.

Mothers who are breastfeeding should be cautious when using laxatives, especially those that are known to be excreted into breast milk, such as prucalopride. Prucalopride is a selective serotonin 5HT4-receptor agonist used for chronic constipation when other laxatives have failed. While it can be used during breastfeeding, it should be done so with caution and other laxatives are preferable. If a breastfeeding mother does use prucalopride, it is important to monitor the infant for potential side effects such as diarrhoea, vomiting, drowsiness, irritability, poor feeding, or inadequate weight gain.

Other laxatives, such as ispaghula husk, lactulose, macrogol 3350, sodium citrate enema, bisacodyl, docusate, glycerol suppositories, standardised senna preparations, and sodium picosulfate, are considered safe to use while breastfeeding as they are not significantly absorbed into the body and are therefore not expected to appear in breast milk. However, it is always recommended to monitor the infant for any potential issues, as further investigation is often required to determine the cause of any problems.

While laxatives can be used by breastfeeding mothers, it is important to first try lifestyle interventions such as increasing dietary fibre, fluid intake, and exercise. Maintaining adequate fluid intake is crucial not only for relieving constipation but also for maintaining sufficient breast milk supply. If a laxative is needed, it is recommended to use the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

Laxatives are generally safe and well-tolerated

Laxatives are considered safe and well-tolerated for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding. This is because the medication can pass into the mother's bloodstream and, in small amounts, into her breast milk.

Osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and sodium bisphosphate (Osmoprep), work by pulling water into the intestines to stimulate bowel movements. These types of laxatives are not well absorbed by the intestine, so the exposure to the pregnancy and the amount passed on to the infant through breast milk is typically low. Similarly, fiber or bulk-forming laxatives like psyllium (Metamucil) and methylcellulose (Citrucel) are generally not absorbed into the bloodstream, making it unlikely for them to be passed on to the infant through breast milk.

Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace) and glycerin, are another option that is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. These work by softening the stool without being absorbed through the intestines, so they are not expected to be present in breast milk.

Stimulant laxatives, such as senna (Senokot) and bisacodyl (Correctol), work by increasing the contractions of the intestinal muscles. While these are not recommended for routine use due to the risk of dependency, they can be useful for occasional constipation. Senna, in particular, has been studied extensively, and while some early reports suggested a link between senna and increased frequency of diarrhea in breastfed infants, more recent controlled studies using modern senna products have found no such effect.

Mineral oil, a type of lubricant laxative, should be used with caution as it can enter the bloodstream and breast milk in larger amounts. There have been occasional reports of loose stools in infants exposed to laxatives through breastfeeding, but no other problems have been reported when recommended doses of laxatives are used.

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