Breastfeeding And Antibiotics: What You Need To Know

Antibiotics or antimicrobials are common drugs around the world. Their effectiveness is indisputable. They save the lives of millions of people suffering from infectious diseases year after year. But how do antibiotics affect breastfeeding and the health of the baby in general ? Is it necessary to interrupt breastfeeding or change the treatment? Find out all about breastfeeding and antibiotics in this article!

Breastfeeding and Antibiotics: Can Antibiotics Affect Breast Milk?

Depending on the chemical properties of antibiotics, a trace of antibiotics may be excreted in breast milk. Sometimes the presence of other substances, such as calcium, can inactivate them. However, they can also be released and consumed by babies as such.

However, the nutritional properties of milk are usually not altered by the use of drugs. So from a nutritional point of view, the effects are maintained.

Breastfeeding and Antibiotics: Do They Cause Problems in Babies?

All medicines can cause side effects and this depends on many factors. However, when we get the right dose, it is impossible to know when and what reaction will occur. When a baby consumes breast milk that contains a small amount of the antibiotic that the mother ingested, it is unlikely that a problem will develop.

This is because small concentrations usually cannot cause changes in the baby’s body. Of course, this depends not only on the amount, but also on the type of drug in question. Therefore, some have a low and others a high risk.

There are only a few antibiotics that you should not take while breastfeeding. According to a publication of the Spanish Association of Primary Pediatrics , these include chloramphenicol, telithromycin and thiabendazole, the latter being more specifically an antiparasitic agent.

Some Important Effects of Antibiotics on Breastfeeding

When these small concentrations of antibiotics cause effects in infants, they are usually related to gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal distention. Even if it is unlikely, a clinical picture known as gray baby syndrome can develop in infants with immature livers.

This condition arises from the direct administration of chloramphenicol to infants, not through breast milk. The most obvious symptoms are changes in skin color and digestive problems. Nevertheless, it is also associated with cardiovascular diseases that can cause death.

Are there alternative treatments?

It is important to note that only a qualified medical professional should prescribe antibiotic treatment. This is not only because of the number of side effects that can occur, but also because of the risk of developing bacterial resistance to these drugs.

In most cases, it is possible to continue breastfeeding while taking antibiotics. Voluntarily stopping breastfeeding during treatment can have greater consequences for the baby than taking the drug, as long as the drug has a low risk of causing health problems.

When in doubt, ask for professional advice

As we mentioned on several occasions, a health professional should be the one to tell you when to start treatment and when to stop. There are several aspects to consider, both for the health of the mother and the baby.

These include the presence of previous illnesses, the type of medication, the mother’s health status, and the general context of treatment.

Antibiotics are safe medicines in most cases

Yes, you can take antibiotics while breastfeeding. However, there are some rare exceptions where it is better to avoid them or use a different type of medicine. If you are going through this situation and notice any health problems in you or your baby, it is best to stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.