Anyone taking tramadol and breastfeeding, or done this before and lo has been fine. Only on low dose of 50mg am and pm. Formula fed at night

[Music1]

I have a 2 month old, and I've been finding the pain I used to have before becoming pregnant has come back with vengeance and making it hard to function and be the mother I want to be. I started to take 1 (50mg) tablet in the morning when the pain would get bad, and then another in the evening. I did take them in the hospital for a few days after the c-section whilst breastfeeding and they didn't say 'no we don't recommend'. I've spoken with my locum and one said "no we don't recommend and won't prescribe if your bf". Another said "you can breastfeed as only small amounts enter the milk and shouldn't cause problems if lo is gaining weight etc, (which he is). I want to bf, but am struggling without the pain relief, although want to do the right thing. We formula feed (bottle at night) as the breastfeeding was exhausting. Anyone taking tramadol and breastfeeding, or done this before and little one been ok please?

[glt01]

Hi, I've had a look in the BNF (which states all drugs and their use in BF and pregnancy) and the guidance it gives for Tramadol Hydrocloride states for breastfeeding "amount probably too small to be harmful, but manufacturer advises avoid".

Personally if the manufacturer of the drug has said to avoid I probably wouldnt risk it. Hope that's okay and helps you x

[Music1 in reply to glt01]

Thank you for checking for me I really appreciate it. I used to take them on occassion before pregnancy and just feel like my whole body is struggling like nothing before at the moment. Paracetamol really doesn't make any difference but don't want to harm my lo. Thank you for looking it up for me. I really appreciate it more than you can imagine. Bless you x

[Khp1]

Morning,

I stopped Bf so I could take tramadol for pain caused by my liver. I decided better to be a good, functioning Mum than one who breastfeeds but can barely move because of the pain. I didn't want to risk any of the drug passing into my milk. There are so many conflicting opinions, I just went with the safest option x

[Music1 in reply to Khp1]

I really appreciate your honesty. I've been worried sick with guilt and conflicted as to whether to continue to BF, or give up, or even take anything anymore etc. Much respect to you. I also would sooner be a good functioning mother and recently I've been struggling so much and not enjoying my lo as I should be. Thanks for your reply x

[AJBee]

Morning, sorry you're in so much pain. Must be horrible. I just wanted to share an article that a Dr friend (also breastfeeding new mum) sent to me, written by a breastfeeding expert.

ibconline.ca/maternal-medic...

Hugely interesting (there's a bit at the end about alcohol too)

In the top line of the article he states 'Almost no medication taken by the mother requires her to stop or interrupt breastfeeding'

A very interesting read anyway. Hope it can be if some help

Xx

[claire16c]

Hi, there are hardly any meds - or alternative ones that breastfeeding mums can't take. If you ever want to know if you can take something, then check on the Breastfeeding Network drugs in breastmilk service. Manufacturers will 99% of the time say no, so this isnt reliable information - its because they cant do drugs trials on bf women! So contact the BfN ( not BNF) for advice from a specially trained pharmacist. This is their website, and you can also PM their facebook page for advice, they usually reply really fast. If something isnt suitable then there is nearly always something else you can take The anaelgesic PDF mentions tramadol - if you want more info you can PM them. You can also look on the Lact Med website for future stuff .

breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk...

facebook.com/BfNDrugsinBrea...

[Music1 in reply to claire16c]

Claire, bless you. I didn't know this site existed. I went to a breastfeeding support meeting last week and came away none the wiser with no info or answers about anything. Having being given conflicting info from 2 locums really confused and upset me. Thank you for the link and direction to where Tramadol could be found etc. I felt so guilty for taking to begin with and have been worried sick I have damaged my little one on the lowest dose even in hospital. I really, really appreciate you messaging me and the links etc, Without this site/ forum and others like yourself I wouldn't have anywhere to turn or get info. I've been so close to giving up on BF altogether. Thank you so much

[claire16c in reply to Music1]

Oh don’t worry it only took me 5 mins to reply sadly bf mums are often told to stop bf, or given wrong or conflicting info and they have to seek support online! And usually they can carry on bf! I volunteer in bf support so come across this a lot. The pharmacist lady Wendy Jones who runs the drugs in breastmilk service was awarded an MBE last year. She answers mums messages all times of the day and night! X