Q I'm breastfeeding so I can't just take any medicine — is postpartum herbal medicine safe for my baby? I'm also taking pain medication.
A Herbal medicine during breastfeeding must always be discussed first, since components can pass into breast milk. Tell us all medications you're taking, including pain medication, and disclose that you're breastfeeding so we can prescribe with breastfeeding safety in mind. Never combine or stop any medication on your own.
Detailed Answer
While breastfeeding, the medication components a mother takes can pass to the baby through breast milk, so caution is needed with any medication, including herbal medicine. If considering postpartum herbal medicine, it's essential to disclose that you're breastfeeding and consult beforehand so it can be prescribed in a breastfeeding-safe direction. Don't stop pain medication or other prescriptions from your OB-GYN on your own — tell us all medications and supplements you're currently taking so we can ensure safe combination.
Our Korean Medicine Clinic's Perspective
At Dongjedang, breastfeeding safety is always the top priority in prescribing for breastfeeding mothers. During the visit, we check your current medications and breastfeeding status to design a prescription that avoids conflicts, and if needed, we adjust dosing times or coordinate with your breastfeeding schedule. Safety always comes first.
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