Is Motrin (ibuprofen) safe to take while breastfeeding a newborn?

From the Guidelines

Ibuprofen (Motrin) is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding a newborn. According to the most recent guideline from the Association of Anaesthetists 1, ibuprofen has been used extensively for postpartum pain and during lactation, and is considered safe to use during breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics also considers ibuprofen safe in breastfeeding women, with only trace amounts found in breast milk 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The standard adult dose of ibuprofen is 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 1200 mg in 24 hours unless directed by a healthcare provider.
• Ibuprofen is preferred over aspirin for breastfeeding mothers because it has minimal transfer to breast milk and poses very low risk to the infant.
• It's best to take ibuprofen right after nursing or at least 1-2 hours before the next feeding to further minimize the amount that might reach your baby.
• Ibuprofen works by blocking enzymes that produce prostaglandins, which cause pain and inflammation.
• While generally safe, you should still inform your pediatrician about any medications you're taking while breastfeeding, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has any health conditions.

Additional Considerations

• The relative infant dose of ibuprofen is considered to be a valuable guide to the safety of the drug taken by a breastfeeding woman, with a proportion < 10% being the preferred option 1.
• The American College of Rheumatology also recommends NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, as compatible with breastfeeding, with a conditional recommendation 1.

From the Research

Motrin Safety During Breastfeeding

• Motrin, also known as ibuprofen, is generally considered safe to take while breastfeeding a newborn, according to studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
• The amount of ibuprofen that enters breast milk is typically low, and short-term use is unlikely to cause significant harm to the infant 2, 5.
• In fact, ibuprofen is often preferred over other pain relievers, such as aspirin, due to its shorter duration of action and lower risk of adverse effects in breastfed infants 2, 4.
• However, it is essential to use the lowest effective dose and to avoid breastfeeding during peak drug concentration in milk to minimize infant exposure 2, 3.
• If you are considering taking Motrin while breastfeeding, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and risks and to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation 3, 6.

Key Considerations

• The American Academy of Pediatrics and other reputable organizations have classified ibuprofen as a safe medication for use during breastfeeding 3, 5.
• Ibuprofen is often used to treat pain and inflammation in breastfeeding mothers, and its use is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding 2, 4.
• As with any medication, it is crucial to monitor your infant for any signs of adverse effects, such as changes in behavior, feeding patterns, or overall health, and to seek medical attention if you have any concerns 2, 3.