A question of getting the best from breast milk

There has always been an argument that politics and sport should not mix. It is frequently a heated argument that has been rekindled during the current Cricket World Cup Tournament in Africa.

Closer to home politics and sport have been well and truly mixed with former Winter Olympian, Kirstie Marshall, entering the Victorian Parliament breastfeeding her newborn child.

The excitement associated with the twists and turns of Kirstie’s aerial exploits in the snow seem to have paled in comparison with the publicity generated by her dedication to motherly instincts.

It is debatable whether the political workplace, or any workplace for that matter, is an appropriate environment for providing infant nutrition, and the debate continues at a pace. But what has been established beyond doubt is that breast is best. That is: breast feeding provides significant benefits to both mother and child and should be encouraged whenever possible.

However, there are occasions when there could be concern in the mind of a nursing mother as to whether she should breast feed or not. One such occasion is when the mother is taking medicine. This issue is addressed by way of the Medicines and Breastfeeding fact card which is available from pharmacies providing Self Care health information.
Almost all medicines can be expected to pass into breast milk to some extent. These medicines, even in minute doses, have the potential to make the baby restless or irritable, to cause vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, or in some cases to affect the sucking reflex of the baby.

Nevertheless, in many cases the advantages of breastfeeding may outweigh the possible risks of adverse effects; so a decision to discontinue breastfeeding should not be taken lightly.

If you are a nursing mum, make sure to remind your doctor or pharmacist that you are breastfeeding when discussing, or before, taking any medicine – whether that medicine is a prescription or a non-prescription medicine.

Most ‘over-the-counter’ medicines are usually safe for a lactating woman and her baby. Even so, a general rule should be to take medicines only when necessary and restrict the intake of the social drugs such as alcohol and caffeine. Of course, smoking should be avoided altogether.

If medicine use is essential, there are ways to limit the effect of the medicine on the infant. For instance, consider the use of a nasal spray in preference to an oral decongestant, or an inhaler instead of a bronchodilator in tablet or liquid. You can use a poorly absorbed laxative such as a high fibre bulking agent rather than a stimulant laxative.

When medicines are necessary, take them immediately after breastfeeding. This reduces the amount of medicines transferred to the absolute minimum.

It appears only a small number of medicines pose a real problem for the nursing mother, but we should always err on the side of safety. The Medicines and Breastfeeding card contains a list of commonly used non-prescription products and the effect on milk or the breastfed baby.

If you are in any doubt check with your pharmacist. You may not have the luxury of participating with your baby in parliamentary question time, but you will have peace of mind.