Is it safe to take Nurofen when breastfeeding?
You can continue to breastfeed while taking Nurofen. Most Nurofen products contain ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory pain reliever that is suitable for most breastfeeding mothers.
Some Nurofen products also contain other active ingredients. Do not use products with additional active ingredients while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor first. The additional ingredients may be harmful to your baby.
Key facts about Nurofen and breastfeeding:
- Most Nurofen products contain ibuprofen, which can be taken while breastfeeding.
- At recommended doses, less than 1% of the ibuprofen in Nurofen passes from mother to infant in breast milk.
- Avoid combination pain relievers as they may contain additional active ingredients that could be harmful to breast-feeding infants.
Taking ibuprofen when breastfeeding
Naturally you want the best for your newest family member. Breastfeeding helps give your baby a strong start to life, but it also means that you need to take special care when it comes to medicines and pain relievers. This is because some medicines you use may pass into your breast milk and onto your infant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about using any medicine while breastfeeding.
How much ibuprofen passes into breast milk?
Ibuprofen enters breast milk at very low levels. Less than 1% of the ibuprofen in Nurofen passes from mother to infant during breastfeeding.This means that a breast-fed infant is exposed to less than 10mg of ibuprofen a day if its mother takes Nurofen at the recommended dose.
How does the ibuprofen in breast milk compare with children’s doses of Nurofen?
Nurofen for Children can be used in babies from 3 months. Dosage varies based on your baby’s age and weight. For example, a 3-month-old baby who weighs 6 kg would receive 60 mg of ibuprofen at the recommended dose.
Are all pain relievers safe for use when breastfeeding?
There are many pain relief medications that should not be used when breastfeeding. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about whether a medicine will be suitable for you and your baby.
Nurofen advice for breastfeeding mums:
- Always follow the dosage instructions on the pack, and never take more than the recommended adult dose.
- Never give Nurofen directly to a newborn. Nurofen for Children can be used for babies from 3 months.
- Using too much ibuprofen can be harmful. Speak to your healthcare professional if you are a breastfeeding mum and need regular pain relief.