It is important to ensure that what you consume is safe for you and your baby while breastfeeding. Midol is a popular medicine used to help manage menstrual cramps, but many women wonder if it will transfer through breast milk. In this article, we’ll discuss the safety of this medication and alternatives to consider.
Any medication taken while breastfeeding may have adverse effects on your child, so it’s a good idea to be extra careful with medications. The risk of side effects depends on various factors, including bioavailability, molecular weight, protein binding, and liquid solubility. While you should not take this information as medical advice, hopefully, it will give you some peace of mind regarding using Midol while breastfeeding. Always consult with your healthcare provider for additional questions.
Midol is a diuretic and pain reliever that is available in a variety of forms:
- Midol Bloat Relief containers Pamabrom.
- Midol Complete has acetaminophen, pyrilamine, and 60 mg of caffeine.
- Midol Complete has acetaminophen, pyrilamine, pamabrom
Let’s look at each of these medications by themselves and whether or not they are considered safe for breastfed infants:
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is an L1 drug. This designation is given to drugs that are considered to be the highest level of safety and lowest risk of harm associated with it. Acetaminophen is frequently used through pregnancy and breastfeeding. There can be serious side effects to using too much acetaminophen, such as liver damage or kidney damage, but it’s generally pretty low risk.
Pyrilamine
This is an antihistamine that is rated L3 or probably compatible with breastfeeding. With any antihistamine, there are potential risks associated with sedation (of both mom and baby).
Caffeine
Caffeine is L2, which means there is data to suggest there are only small risks to the infant. Caffeine is generally considered acceptable while breastfeeding in moderate amounts and 60 mg shouldn’t cause issues with too many infants. However, you should monitor your baby for increased irritability, trouble sleeping, or being more hyperactive ethan normal.
Pamabrom
Pamabrom is a diuretic, and unfortunately, it is also an L4 drug. This means that there is data to suggest is may be hazardous, however, in some situations the pros may outweigh the cons. It contains bromides, which is not considered compatible with breastfeeding. It may also lead to excess fluid loss, which can impact breast milk production. For this reason, I would avoid anything containing Pamabrom.
After looking at these ingredients, it looks like Midol Complete is the only form of Midol that would be compatible with breastfeeding. If the medication you are looking at contains Pamabrom, you should probably avoid it unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Midol Complete does have caffeine, so if you are watching your caffeine intake, that is something else to keep in mind. With most medications, short-term use is probably going to be the best option.
Taking one Midol most likely won’t do anything to your baby. If you do take one try and do it right after nursing or pumping and limit the amount you take in day.
Midol Alternatives while Breastfeeding
There are several alternatives to midol that you might want to consider using while breastfeeding. Some of these are over the counter medicines, while several natural and homeopathic remedies can help manage menstrual discomfort without conventional medication.
- Ibuprofen: This is a popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can be used while breastfeeding. Avoid prolonged use due to the possibility of stomach issues and the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Ginger Tea or Capsules: Helps reduce cramping and bloating due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Warm Compress or Heating Pad: Relaxes muscles and soothes pain when applied to the lower abdomen.
- Magnesium-Rich Foods: Incorporate leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to help ease tension and cramps.
- Chamomile or Raspberry Leaf Tea: Promotes relaxation and may help reduce discomfort naturally.
- Tens Units: This small, electronic device used electrical pulses to help relieve pain. Many women with menstrual cramps find it helpful.
- Heating Pads or Hot Water Bottles: The heat from these products may help with pain
For more lactation support and education, be sure to join me in Fuss-Free First Year. You can get answers to questions like this (and much more) in the private community led by an expert IBCLC.
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