What can I do for nausea while breastfeeding?

Understanding Nausea While Breastfeeding
Experiencing nausea while breastfeeding can be an unsettling challenge for new mothers. While it is not uncommon, particularly in the early weeks postpartum, understanding its causes and finding effective remedies can help alleviate discomfort.
Causes of Nausea
Nausea during breastfeeding may stem from various factors. For some mothers, it can be a lingering effect of hormonal changes after childbirth. A small percentage of women report feeling nauseous during breastfeeding sessions, especially in the initial weeks, with symptoms often subsiding by the sixth to eighth week. Additionally, if nausea arises when the baby is older, it may be worth considering the possibility of a new pregnancy.
Practical Remedies
To manage nausea effectively, several strategies can be employed:
1. Mindful Eating: Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day can prevent the stomach from becoming empty, which may trigger nausea. Incorporating light snacks, such as toast or rusks, can be particularly helpful.
2. Timing of Hydration: It is advisable to wait 20 to 30 minutes after a small snack before drinking water, tea, or juice. This approach can help reduce feelings of fullness that may contribute to nausea.
3. Aromatherapy and Mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and aromatherapy can provide relief. Engaging in these practices during nursing sessions may distract from nausea and promote relaxation.
4. Sour Remedies: Some mothers find relief by sucking on a slice of lemon or other sour foods, which can help settle the stomach.
5. Medication Considerations: In certain cases, anti-emetic medications may be used cautiously while breastfeeding, depending on individual circumstances and the health of the infant. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential before considering any medication.
Conclusion
While nausea during breastfeeding can be distressing, understanding its potential causes and implementing practical remedies can significantly improve comfort for nursing mothers. If nausea persists or worsens, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is crucial to ensure both the mother’s and baby’s well-being.

How can I settle my stomach while breastfeeding?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends kaolin-pectin products (such as Kaopectate) or loperamide products (such as Imodium) for nursing mothers with diarrhea. Bismuth subsalicylate compounds (such as Pepto Bismol) contain enough aspirin ingredients that they may not be safe for your baby.

How do I get over sickness while breastfeeding?

Making sure you take in plenty of fluids and eat nourishing foods. Use saline sprays and humidifiers for nasal congestion and throat lozenges for sore throat and cough. If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications.

How do I stop my baby from gulping while breastfeeding?

How Can I Keep My Baby From Gagging?

1. Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk.
2. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.
3. Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.

Why am I so nauseous postpartum?

Worries might get in the way of sleep, or could cause a decreased appetite. Some mothers might have trouble sitting still, or will experience symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. Oftentimes, postpartum anxiety can take the form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Why am I nauseous all the time breastfeeding?

Nausea that occurs with the milk let-down may be related to the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin is the hormone that causes the milk ejection reflex (MER or let-down), and it also helps make digestion more efficient and is associated with other gut hormones that can cause nausea.

Is emergen C safe for breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

What can I take for a stomach bug while breastfeeding?

Some people are prescribed (or buy) prochlorperazine (Buccastem ®, Stemetil ®) tablets to relieve the nausea and vomiting, loperamide (Imodium®) to reduce the symptoms of diarrhoea and rehydrating sachets (Dioralyte ®) to prevent dehydration. These drugs are suitable to take and carry on breastfeeding as normal.

What is the best medicine for upset stomach while breastfeeding?

Cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine
Ranitidine and famotidine appear to carry minimal risk in pregnant women,6, 7 cimetidine has a small risk. Similarly, ranitidine and famotidine are the preferred choices in breastfeeding women.

Why does my baby feel like throwing up while breastfeeding?

What causes babies to vomit? Generally, mild vomiting occurs because a young baby is still getting used to feeding on, digesting and eliminating milk. On average, a newborn baby’s stomach can hold around 20 millilitres, so it doesn’t take much milk for them to fill up and vomit the excess.

What can breastfeeding moms take for nausea?

Treating nausea during breastfeeding

• Cyclizine.
• Hyoscine hydrobromide.
• Metoclopramide.
• Ondansetron.
• Prochlorperazine.
• Promethazine.