Question by Army Mum: What are the dangers of taking diet pills while breastfeeding?
I dont want to do anything to harm my 3 month old daughter in any way. So I would like to know the side effects it would have on her if I took diet pills if any of you know. Practically EVERY pill bottle has caution directed to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers (even Vitamin C!).
Best answer:
Answer by joyfulgirl
umm. would you give the pills to your baby? that is what you are doing when you take them and feed her your milk. diet pills are not for babies. you could poison here. there are some harsh things in diet pills. wait until you ween her until you take the diet pills.
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They can break down in your system and pass into your milk and thus get into your baby’s system which will not be strong enough to deal with them.
whatever is in the pills–caffeine,guarana,etc.–would end up in your baby…if you really have to take the diet pills stop breastfeeding first. otherwise just wait
Please do not take any diet pills while breastfeeding…it is not good for your baby. You can’t do that when you are done breastfeeding.
ALWAYS talk to your caregiver before taking ANY over the counter meds! Not only because they may harm your baby and you…they my interact!
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-herbalweightloss.html that’s info on herbal weight loss pills
here’s a section on dieting in general while breastfeeding: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-weightloss.html
and yeah, every bottle of everything has a warning on it… because the drug manufacturing companies don’t want to spend the money to do the research themselves.!
Dr. Thomas Hale is the world’s leader in pharacological research in regards to human milk and its effects on the nursing baby. his book – “Medication and Mother’s Milk” is THE guide to reference! this website has a lot of it: http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/index.html it also lists what the American Academy of Pediatrics considers safe for breastfed babies.
basically, when it comes to most medications, there is usually a safe version of all medicines… but for weight loss, not a good idea to bother with any of what’s on the market these days!! Weight Watchers has a special nursing mother’s program that’s great
What kind of pills? Most are diuretics, meaning that they make you lose water weight. If you are breastfeeding, that is a pretty bad idea. And even if you aren’t, it won’t help in the long run. Breastfeeding, a healthy diet, and a little exercise, are the best ways to lose weight.
Herbal weight loss products and breastfeeding
http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/mom/mom-herbalweightloss.html
I agree with what every one else has said.