Expert: Cynthia Morrison - 4/25/2006

Question
I had a c-section and I am taking percocet, I;m bottle feedind right now but I want to start breastfeeding and I want to know how the drug will affect my newborn? And if I can breastfeed safely

Answer
Hi Vanessa,


Yes you can breastfeed safely while taking the Percocet for the pain from your C-Section.  If you somehow have a script (or some other way of obtaining narcotics) that is for something other than your C-Section, that is a different story.  

I am wondering the age of your baby.  I am assuming the baby has recently been born.  If you have been pumping your milk out, you may still be able to breastfeed, Percocet aside.  If you have not been pumping your milk, you may have already "dried up" your milk supply.  Either way you may want to consider going to a La Leche League meeting in your area (to find one in your area go to:
www.lalecheleague.org). They have more experience than anyone in helping new moms and babies with the beginnings of breastfeeding.

If you take the Percocets recreationally, or plan on taking them for an extended period of time, you may want to read some of the other women's questions I answered regarding drugs in breast milk.  

I hope this information helps.  Please get back to me if you have any further questions or concerns.  Best of luck to you and your baby.