Omeprazole is a drug that is often prescribed by doctors for people with stomach acid. This drug works so that the amount of acid released by the stomach can be reduced. So, is it safe to consume omeprazole for breastfeeding mothers?
Omeprazole is used to treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, and acid reflux. Doctors may have given this drug to EMC Friends who suffer from stomach pain before they decided to become pregnant and breastfeed.
However, can omeprazole be used to relieve acid reflux symptoms when a mother is breastfeeding her child?
If you want to take omeprazole for breastfeeding mothers, you should pay attention to the following instructions if you want to do so.
Is Omeprazole Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers?
Breastfeeding mothers can take omeprazole if allowed by their doctor or prescribed to treat their acid reflux.
If the doctor states that there are no health problems with the baby, then the mother is allowed to take omeprazole while breastfeeding. Omeprazole may enter breast milk in very small amounts.
However, babies will not absorb much omeprazole in breast milk into their bodies. In addition, there are no side effects caused by omeprazole in babies when mothers consume it to treat stomach acid.
Do not use omeprazole without a doctor's prescription because it can harm the health of EMC Friends and their babies who are still breastfeeding.
The 20 mg dose of omeprazole indicates low levels of this medication in breast milk. The amount of omeprazole in breast milk is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking omeprazole while you are breastfeeding.
Is Omeprazole Safe for Pregnant Women to Take?
Omeprazole is not safe for pregnant women. Taking ranitidine should be supervised and recommended by a doctor during pregnancy. EMC friends should immediately consult a doctor or get medical care if they experience stomach pain and need treatment.
However, the drug is not recommended for use by pregnant women who have digestive problems. You can try the tips of eating smaller portions more often and avoiding fatty or spicy foods.
In addition, sitting up straight when eating will also reduce pressure on the stomach.
If you experience acid reflux symptoms at night, you can elevate your head and shoulders when lying down. This will help stop stomach acid from rising while you sleep.
If all of the above has been done but there is no change, ranitidine may be prescribed by your doctor.
Can breastfeeding mothers take lansoprazole?
In general, lansoprazole can be taken by breastfeeding mothers because it does not cause any side effects on the baby. Lansoprazole can be consumed by breastfeeding mothers who have stomach pain if the baby does not have any problems with his health.
EMC friends must still consult a doctor before using lansoprazole as a treatment for stomach pain.
Avoid taking any medication while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor, especially if it is a medication you regularly took before becoming pregnant and breastfeeding.
If your EMC friend's stomach acid recurs while breastfeeding, see a doctor immediately. The doctor will be more selective in providing treatment if informed that the mother is breastfeeding her baby.
What to Drink to Treat Heartburn While Breastfeeding?
Non-acidic drinks such as plant-based milk, water, and herbal teas are drinks to overcome heartburn while breastfeeding. These drinks can help reduce the symptoms of stomach acid.
Drinks that can relieve heartburn for breastfeeding mothers include:
- Herbal teas (such as chamomile, licorice, slippery elm , ginger, marshmallow root).
- Low-fat or skim milk.
- Plant milk (soy, almond).
- Mineral water.
- Fruit juices (watermelon, pear, beetroot).
- Coconut water.
Breastfeeding mothers can take omeprazole as a treatment for stomach acid. Unlike lansoprazole for stomach acid, this drug does not affect the baby who is still breastfeeding.
So EMC friends must consult a doctor before taking stomach acid medication for the safety of the mother and baby.
Article written by dr. Ivan Banjuradja, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Pulomas Hospital).