My mom is sick and taking medication, should I stop breastfeeding my baby?
Most antibiotics, including various cephalosporins, do not have adverse effects on babies through breast milk, so stopping breastfeeding is generally unnecessary. If you are concerned, it is best to consult a doctor and inform them that you are breastfeeding to see if a safer antibiotic can be prescribed. Additionally, you can breastfeed before taking the medication and avoid breastfeeding within two hours after taking it, instead expressing and discarding the milk from that particular feeding. Topical medications also do not affect breast milk.
Continuing to breastfeed can also help you get adequate rest, as abruptly weaning can actually increase the risk of mastitis. Even if you need to temporarily stop breastfeeding, it is important to maintain regular pumping to keep up milk supply and prevent engorgement.
In fact, only a very small number of drugs have been proven to be harmful to babies, such as radiation therapy drugs, chemotherapy drugs, and illegal substances. Furthermore, most doctors can find alternative medications. If you are still worried, it is best to consult an expert who is knowledgeable about medications and supports breastfeeding. If your doctor is unable to provide satisfactory answers to your questions, it is advisable to consult your baby's pediatrician, as they may have a better understanding of the effects of medications on breastfeeding babies.
