Pain killers while breastfeeding?

Question

Hey ladies! Looking for opinions--this is my second child. I'll be having a scheduled c-section as VBAC is not an option for me. I did not breastfeed the first time around, but I'm considering it for this baby. I have to say I waiver back and forth on my decision. I have no real desire or emotional connection to the idea of breastfeeding, and I truly believe my kids will be healthy and smart either way. Trying to keep an open mind though; saving money is always a plus and who knows, maybe I'll just love it. (Pats on the back for both breastfeeding and bottle feeding mommas, you all rock.✨)
Anyway, I was wondering how you can be on pain killers post-Caesarian and breastfeed without transferring the substance to your child (like you transfer alcohol). I asked my doctor today, and she basically said that you absolutely do transfer it. She said it's not necessarily bad for them, you may just notice they're more drowsy. I realize people do it all the time, but this strikes me so funny. If my breast milk can have narcotic effects on my baby, is it really a healthier option for them than non-laced formula?

Answer

This is from LactMed and is definitely not comforting:
Maternal use of oral narcotics during breastfeeding can cause infant drowsiness, central nervous system depression and even death. Infant sedation is common and well documented with maternal use of oxycodone. Newborn infants seem to be particularly sensitive to the effects of even small dosages of narcotic analgesics. Once the mother's milk comes in, it is best to provide pain control with a nonnarcotic analgesic and limit maternal intake of oral oxycodone (and combinations) to a few days. A maximum oxycodone dosage of 30 mg daily is suggested. Oxycodone elimination is decreased in young infants with much inter-individual variability. Monitor the infant closely for drowsiness, adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants. If the baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness, a physician should be contacted immediately. Other agents are preferred over oxycodone during breastfeeding.[1] 😰😰

Answer

You're only gonna be on narcotics for a few days and formula is mostly corn syrup and cow protein. Of course it's better. It's not like they get a full dose of narcotics. If you want to know about any drug and breastfeeding Google LactMed and find it in their database. My mom had a c section and breastfed me for ages and the only time she noticed I was drugged was while I was being born because I got the drugs from her c section while I wasn't born yet. There are a good number of drugs that don't go into breastmilk and I would trust LactMed over a general doctor any day (because it's where they're supposed to get their information from and most doctors don't really know that much about breastfeeding)

Pain killers while breastfeeding?

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