Do Antibiotics Decrease Milk Supply? Everything You Need to Know

Some breastfeeding women, up to 40%, may get mastitis. This is a painful issue that can be dangerous, and 8.5% might see it happen more than once.¹ The go-to treatment for mastitis is antibiotics. But when you’re breastfeeding, this can be tricky.

Antibiotics can get into your breastmilk. This might affect your baby’s health, and it could even stop you from breastfeeding.² It’s very important to know how antibiotics can change your milk supply. And how to keep breastfeeding safely if you need them.

Key Takeaways

• Antibiotics can negatively impact a breastfeeding mother’s milk supply and disrupt the baby’s gut microbiome.
• Most antibiotics are considered safe for breastfeeding, but some may cause temporary side effects in babies like loose stools or thrush.
• Talking to your doctor about the safety of antibiotics during breastfeeding and pushing for options that are good for breastfeeding is key.
• It’s hard to keep your milk supply up when you’re sick, and antibiotics can make it even more of a challenge.
• The LactMed database and lactation consultants are great resources for advice on taking medications while breastfeeding.

Understanding Mastitis and Its Treatment

Mastitis is a breast infection. It’s often caused by a blocked duct or milk that doesn’t flow well.¹ This infection can happen when bacteria from a baby’s mouth gets into a mother’s skin because of nipple injuries. The two main kinds are infective mastitis, from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and non-infectious mastitis, which is rarer. The rare type can come from duct issues or foreign items, like breast implants. Symptoms of both kinds are much the same. They include sore, swollen, red, or hard breasts. A person might also have fever and feel like they have the flu.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection in the breast. It comes from a clogged duct or milk not flowing right.¹ Bacteria from a baby’s mouth can also cause it to enter the mother’s skin through nipple injuries. This can lead to either infective mastitis, from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, or non-infectious mastitis, which is less common. Non-infectious mastitis might be from duct problems or a foreign thing in the breast, such as an implant.³ Symptoms for both are alike. They can cause sore, swollen, red, or hard breasts. You might also have fever and flu-like feelings.

How is Mastitis Treated?

To treat mastitis, doctors usually give a 10-day round of antibiotics.¹ They also suggest expressing milk by hand. This stops the infection from getting worse.¹ The antibiotic approach works for 96% of women with mastitis. But, it can be tricky because 5% of people in the U.S. have a bacteria that resists methicillin. This means normal antibiotics won’t help.¹ In this case, doctors might prescribe other antibiotics, like clindamycin or co-amoxiclav. If the first round of antibiotics doesn’t work, they might use stronger ones like vancomycin. Sometimes, antifungal medicine and probiotics also help.

Besides antibiotics, removing milk effectively by breastfeeding or expressing it is crucial.³ Lymphatic massage helps by moving fluid to lymph nodes, which is key in treating mastitis.³ Taking time to rest, eat well, and drink enough water is important for healing too.³ For pain relief, ibuprofen is a good choice since it also fights inflammation. If symptoms don’t get better within 12–24 hours of starting treatment, considering antibiotics might be necessary.³

Antibiotics and Their Potential Impact on Breastfeeding

Antibiotics can get into breastmilk and harm nursing babies. They can affect gut health and the formation of a stable microbiome.² Studies on mice show that antibiotics can disturb the gut balance. This can lead to inflammation and a shift in bacteria that lasts for weeks or months after stopping the medicine.² It might also up the chance of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature babies.² Using antibiotics early has been connected to a higher risk of obesity, asthma, and type 1 diabetes in kids.² Although effects on human babies are not fully clear, these risks are troubling for mothers who breastfeed.

Many breastfeeding mothers are prescribed antibiotics.⁴ What a mother takes into her blood is what her milk has, though usually in smaller amounts.⁴ Premature and newborn babies are at a bigger risk from antibiotics than older children.⁴ Antibiotics might reduce the “good” bacteria in a baby’s belly. This can cause stomach problems and irritability in babies.⁴ Too many antibiotics can lead to Candida overgrowth, causing thrush in both mom and baby.⁴

Thankfully, some antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding.⁴ Antifungal medicines and some others are generally okay for breastfeeding women.⁴ But it’s still wise to talk about any drug you’re prescribed with your doctor. They can help make sure it’s the best choice for you and your baby.

Do Antibiotics Decrease Milk Supply?

One concern that many breastfeeding mothers have is whether taking antibiotics will have any impact on their milk supply. The question of whether antibiotics decrease milk supply has been a topic of debate among experts in the field. While there is limited research on this subject, some studies suggest that certain medications can indeed have an effect on the production of breast milk.

Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the body. However, some antibiotics are known to pass into breast milk, and there is a possibility that they may affect the composition and volume of milk produced by a breastfeeding mother.

Some studies have found a correlation between the use of antibiotics and a temporary decrease in milk supply. The exact mechanism by which this occurs is not fully understood, but it is hypothesized that antibiotic-induced lactation suppression may be due to changes in the mammary gland cells responsible for milk production.

Despite these findings, it is important to note that not all antibiotics will necessarily have the same effect on every breastfeeding mother. Each individual may react differently to medications, and the impact on milk supply may vary. Additionally, some antibiotics are considered safe for breastfeeding and may not affect milk supply at all.

If you are concerned about the impact of antibiotics on your milk supply, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you navigate any potential challenges associated with medications and milk supply.

Negative Effects of Antibiotics on Breast Milk

Antibiotics not only pose risks for the baby but can also affect the mother’s milk supply. They disrupt the gut’s balance, which can reduce milk production¹. In severe cases, antibiotics might stop milk production entirely¹, a major worry for nursing mothers.

Keeping a good milk supply is key for breastfeeding moms¹.

Antibiotic-Induced Lactation Suppression

The exact ways antibiotics lower milk supply are still unclear. However, it’s thought to be linked to changes in hormone levels and the mother’s breast health². When a mother is sick, keeping up with milk production can be hard. Antibiotics might make it even harder, sometimes causing breastfeeding to stop early¹.

Identifying Mastitis Symptoms

Understanding mastitis symptoms is key to quick treatment and preventing issues.⁵ If you notice sore or painful breasts, swelling, redness, or warm feeling, a fever over 101°F (38.3°C), or flu-like signs like muscle pain, you might have mastitis.⁶ It’s vital to see a healthcare provider if you think you have this condition. Early help stops the infection from getting worse fast. This helps keep your milk flowing and protects both you and your baby.

Common Symptoms of Mastitis

⁵ Moms who are breastfeeding need to know the basic mastitis signs. These include painful, swollen, red, or warm breasts, along with a fever and flu symptoms.⁶ Spotting these symptoms of mastitis early is crucial. It’s the first step to getting the right care and avoiding serious problems.

⁵ If you think you have mastitis, don’t wait to call a doctor. Mastitis can get worse quickly without treatment.⁶ Getting help fast is important. It helps you keep breastfeeding safely and keeps you and your baby healthy.

Safe Antibiotics for Breastfeeding Moms

Many antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding moms.⁴ This includes penicillins (like amoxicillin, ampicillin) and cephalosporins (such as cephalexin).² You can also take drugs like Amoxycillin, Azithromycin, and Cefaclor while breastfeeding. They usually don’t bother the baby, causing only mild issues like loose stools.⁴ But, always check with your doctor before taking any medication to make sure it’s the best choice for you and your baby.

Penicillins and Cephalosporins

⁴ The Mayo Clinic says drugs like amoxicillin and cephalexin are safe for moms who breastfeed. These are low-risk for nursing babies². Even IV antibiotics, like gentamycin and meropenem, are usually safe because they aren’t absorbed much by the baby.

Other Safe Antibiotic Options

Besides penicillins and cephalosporins, there are more antibiotics safe for breastfeeding. For instance, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and flucloxacillin are fine to use.² Yet, avoid tetracyclines, as they can discolor your baby’s teeth with prolonged use.² Also, metronidazole might change milk’s taste and color, but it’s generally okay for nursing.

Breastfeeding While on Antibiotics

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural process that provides numerous health benefits for both mother and baby. However, there may come a time when a nursing mother needs to take antibiotics to treat an infection or illness. Many women may wonder if it is safe to continue breastfeeding while on antibiotics and if it will affect their milk supply.

The good news is that most antibiotics are considered safe to use while breastfeeding. The amount of the medication that passes into breast milk is typically minimal and unlikely to harm the baby. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication to ensure that it is compatible with breastfeeding.

While taking antibiotics, it is essential for nursing mothers to continue breastfeeding to maintain their milk supply. Emptying the breasts regularly can actually help improve the effectiveness of the treatment, as it aids in removing the infection and promotes healing. It is also crucial to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest to support the body’s recovery process.

It is also worth noting that certain antibiotics can potentially have an impact on breast milk production. Some women may experience a temporary decrease in supply while taking antibiotics. However, this is usually a short-term issue that will resolve once the medication is completed. If there are concerns about low milk supply or if the baby is showing signs of inadequate feeding, it is best to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for guidance.

Potential Side Effects of Antibiotics on Breastfed Babies

Most antibiotics are safe during breastfeeding but might still lead to some effects in babies.² The common issues include stomach problems like runny stool or colic signs.² These happen because the antibiotics change the baby’s gut’s good bacteria.² As a result, the baby might get thrush, shown by white patches in their mouth.⁴ It can also cause pain in the mother’s nipples.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Antibiotics can make babies have stomach issues like loose stools or acting colicky.² How? They disrupt the balance of the baby’s gut bacteria, which affects digestion and immunity.² These problems are usually not serious but might worry the baby and mom.

Increased Risk of Thrush

There’s also a higher chance for babies to get thrush if the mother is on antibiotics.⁴ Thrush leads to white patches in the baby’s mouth and pain for the mom.⁴ This happens because antibiotics disturb the normal yeast and bacteria balance, letting the yeast grow too much.

Thankfully, these effects are often light and go away after the antibiotic treatment ends.² Giving the baby probiotics or continued breastfeeding helps deal with the problems and maintains the baby’s gut health during and after using antibiotics.²

Discussing Antibiotic Safety with Your Healthcare Provider

If your doctor suggests an antibiotic while you’re nursing, talk about its safety. Discuss how it might affect your milk and your baby’s health.⁷ Ask if it’s safe for your baby. Learn about possible effects on your baby. See if your baby should have probiotics.⁷ If the antibiotic isn’t safe, ask about other options or if a smaller dose might work.⁷ If you’re worried, a second opinion from a breastfeeding expert can help.

When you discuss antibiotic safety during nursing, be sure to ask questions about antibiotic use while nursing and ask your doctor to find safe options.⁷ Open talk with your doctor is key to addressing concerns over antibiotic safety. It helps you and your baby reach the best solution.

Alternatives to Antibiotics Contraindicated for Breastfeeding

If you need an antibiotic not safe for breastfeeding, look for an alternative. Check if there’s a safety-tested antibiotic safe for breastfeeding.² Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, and Erythromycin are fine for nursing moms. They help you keep treating the infection while you breastfeed.² Without a safe choice, you might need to stop breastfeeding for a short while. This would be during your antibiotic use, and then you can go back to breastfeeding after stopping the drug.

Pump and Dump Considerations

“Pump and dump” is one option to keep your milk supply up. But, most medications are present in very small amounts in breast milk, with less than 1% getting through typically.⁸ Doing this can be tough and uneasy for many. It is vital to evaluate pros and cons with a doctor to decide your best path.

Using Metronidazole may change your breastmilk’s taste or color, but regular breastfeeding can still go on. This medicine doesn’t require stopping breastfeeding if prescribed.

Resources for Breastfeeding and Medication Information

A number of great resources are available to guide breastfeeding moms with the use of medications, like antibiotics. The LactMed database, run by the National Library of Medicine, has info on the safety of medicines when breastfeeding.⁴ The Infant Risk Center runs a hotline for questions about drug use and breastfeeding.⁴ Talking to a lactation consultant is also very useful. They can offer advice on taking meds while keeping your milk supply up and supporting your breastfeeding journey.⁴ Using these resources helps you make right choices and be more confident about using meds while you breastfeed.

The Infant Risk Center is well-known for its [lactation consultant support] reliable info on how medications affect breastfeeding. Dial their hotline to ask about specific drugs.⁴ You can also get expert advice by seeing a lactation consultant. They’ll give you customized tips on dealing with meds and keeping up your milk supply. Plus, they help with reaching your breastfeeding goals.⁴

Conclusion

Choosing antibiotics while breastfeeding can make you worry. You must know how they can affect your milk supply and your baby’s safety.² Although most antibiotics are safe, they might cause effects for a short time. In rare cases, they could lower your milk production.² It’s vital to talk with your doctor. Make sure they give you an antibiotic safe for breastfeeding. Ask about other options if needed.

Being well-informed and asking questions is important. You can use tools like the LactMed database and the Infant Risk Center to help.⁹ Speaking with a lactation consultant is also smart. They can guide you on taking medications without hurting your milk supply.⁹

Using antibiotics when breastfeeding might seem hard. But, there are always ways to keep you and your baby healthy.¹⁰ Make sure to ask for safe options and stay up-to-date. This way, you can face any challenges and keep giving your baby the best through breastfeeding.¹⁰

Source Links

1. https://lactationlab.com/blogs/the-drop/mastitis-breastfeeding-and-antibiotics-5-things-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/antibiotics/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465810/
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-and-antibiotics
5. https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/mastitis/
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374834
7. https://www.verywellfamily.com/can-breastfeeding-women-take-antibiotics-5198648
8. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/breastfeeding-safe-medications
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9395442/
10. https://utswmed.org/medblog/decrease-breast-milk-supply/

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Aine Austria is a content creator, freelancer, entrepreneur, essential oils educator, nacho lover, and mom to an adorable daughter. She helps aspiring mom bloggers and entrepreneurs launch their blog, alongside other money-making opportunities. Aine believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their experiences and talents can be shared with the world.
Aine’s passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with others started at a young age. Growing up, she always loved to read books, write stories, and express herself through words. She strongly believes that moms can still pursue their dreams and passions while raising a family, and she aims to inspire other moms to do the same through her work.