Vicodin And Breast Feeding - Is This A Good Combination?
Many doctors would say, NO'. Doctors normally advise against consuming any drug while breastfeeding until that same drug has been tested and found perfectly safe. The Vicodin and breast feeding combination is no exception. It is true that some studies do show that Vicodin does not in any way harm babies by filtering into the milk they drink. However, research studies explain that it needs more time before it will be agreed upon that it can be used safely by lactating mothers.
Vicodin And Breast Feeding - Within The Danger Limits
Whatever studies have been carried out, found that the filtering of the drug into the milk is too slow and it cannot build up to dangerous levels in majority of the cases. The effect on the baby depends on a number of factors, i.e. age of the infant, weight of the infant, sex of the infant, and so on. The toxicity of the drug wears off with time, weight or dilution. Hence, experts are mostly of the opinion that vicodin and breast feeding are okay.
The Alternatives When You Do Not Want To Have Vicodin And Breast Feeding At The Same Time
When you seek for alternatives you will definitely find some - even if these might not always be the best. In this case the alternative to having vicodin and breast feeding at the same time, is to actually alternate it. When you have Vicodin do not feed - or rather feed and then have the Vicodin hence, protecting the baby from the effects of the medicine. The next feed should either be 4-5 hours later or should be alternated with vegetables or other eatables. In this way, you can have your medication while not stopping breastfeeding your baby; neither put him/her at any risk.
In case of doubt, you should always go to the doctor and ask his/her advise on how to take any drug (even plain headache tablet) when breastfeeding. The risk that the baby might get poisoned is not very appealing. Hence, all precautions should be taken so that you get your required medication and the baby stays fit as a fiddle despite the medication. Only when the doctor expresses no confidence on consumption of the drug while breastfeeding should you dump the medicines. However, be sure you ask and get replacement of the same lest, your affliction may deteriorate.
