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Breastfeeding/Breastfeeding and percocet

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Expert: - 9/18/2007


Question
Hello, I am breast feeding and bottle feeding and I have migraines which I take percocet for like on a daily basis. My daughter is 5 in a half weeks old and I was wondering If this will bother her at all??? When I do take the percocet,I give her a bottle with formula for a few hours before I start nursing again. Does this help?

Answer
Hello Sandra - thanks for checking on this. As it sounds you have frequent migraines, I'm sure that the doctor has advised you on your percocet usage and breastfeeding which is commonly prescribed for breastfeeding mothers. But usually it's for short term or occasional use..so just to be safe, make sure he or she knows you are taking it daily.

Overall, Percocet has been ruled as moderately safe.  However, in general, rememeber that anything that enters your system may affect your breast milk and although percocet does not contain a sedative, it does have sedative effects on many mothers and also in some infants in the small amounts that do get passed through the breastmilk. Some research shows that percocet is not passed thru to the infant, and others do note a sedative effect on some babies, so again, your doctor can advise you best. As the research is still very unclear.  But in your instance it's just the prolonged use that you want to check on.

As an aside, you'll want to watch your daughters feeding and sleeping patterns just to ensure that the remain consistent as when you are not taking percocet.  Also checking with your doctor may advise that you can still breastfeed as well, to give you the option with peace of mind.  Good luck on the migranes passing, as a fellow sufferer, your hormonal levels should shift shortly and fingers crossed that brings you the relief you deserve.  All the best

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Sue Ennis

Expertise

I am looking to support the segment of mothers that encounter engorgement issues that prevent them from continuing to breastfeeding, those that do not breastfeed or are ready to start weaning. As an aside, I wish to add that questions asked in terms of those not breastfeeding will not be given guilt for their choice. In many forums, including this one, there is currently no category developed for this "not breastfeeding" audience. I do believe that breastfeeding is best for both mother and child, however, I believe more strongly that there is a lack of support for the woman that for either personal or medical reasons cannot breastfeed. My strengths would be in answering questions related to stopping breast milk production comfortably either right after delivery or after nursing their children for some time, reducing breast engorgement pain and dealing with overactive lactation. Questions I would not try to answer are those tied to emotional feelings as I feel many times women that don't/can't breastfeed struggle with it...and that should be directed to the appropriate counseling channel.

Experience

I am the inventor and founder of LaMa Bra and for years have researched the human body functions, both in process and emotions/hormones to develop a bra to help mother slow or stop their breast milk.

Education/Credentials
I hold a BS in General Biology, a MS in Human Nutrition and an MBA in Marketing.
Also, am the the founder of LaMa Bra found at http://www.lamabra.com that has helped many women with engorgement while breastfeeding and through stages of weaning when ready to stop breastfeeding.

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