Can Zofran reduce milk supply? Know about the natural alternatives!

Ondansetron (Zofran®), is one of the most common medicines used for treating nausea and vomiting. However, consuming Zofran while breastfeeding is questionable. In C-section delivery, Zofran® is generally administered intravenously by the doctors.

However, consuming Zofran while breastfeeding and without doctor recommendations is still a debate.  Although there is very limited research on this topic; BUT the good news is there are no serious side effects.

In this article, we are going to discuss this drug in detail and also a clinical study.  This becomes very important if you are a breastfeeding mother or are concerned about the safety or the potential impact on the milk supply.

 Is Zofran safe when breastfeeding? 

There are a lot of doctors who recommend Ondansetron frequently to new mums, especially when they are suffering from continuous periods of vomiting and nausea. So at a certain point, it is completely safe to intake this drug,  especially if it is recommended by your healthcare provider. 

We know that these symptoms are very challenging especially if you are a new mother and breastfeeding your baby as well. But if you are thinking of consuming this drug without the Healthcare consultation then it can be a bit problematic plus unsafe.

The very first question that may arise is whether is Zofran safe when breastfeeding.  and a very simple answer to this question is yes, it is! 

But consuming it repeatedly, to get a little comfort from nausea and vomiting (and when you know that you are stuck in a cycle of taking the drug repeatedly), is not a good option to choose.

Let us give you a reason to visit the doctor for a better solution. A doctor prescribes you a medicine based on your symptoms and according to your body’s needs. Anything that you consume while you’re breastfeeding your baby can be problematic, not only to your body but also to the baby. 

Further in this article, we have also given you some home remedies to calm your vomiting sensations and nausea. The best part is they do not even require the consultation of a healthcare provider,  and they are completely safe for you and your baby.

Does Zofran decrease milk supply? 

Feeling nauseous while breastfeeding can be due to various reasons like hormonal changes, dietary influences, your daily routine, etc. Welcoming a baby and turning a new chapter of life is great but it comes with a lot of challenges.

According to a study conducted on 78 women, no adverse impact or significant concern was noticed at the onset of breastfeeding. The women were divided into two groups in which one group of women was administered  4mg of the Zofran intravenously after cesarean section to treat their postoperative nausea and vomiting. At the same time, the other one did not consume the drug in any way. It was concluded that there were no significant changes in breastfeeding between the two groups.  The amount of breast milk produced by both groups of women was equivalent,   thus it is pretty much safe to say that it does not decrease the quantity of breast milk.

Zofran for nausea during pregnancy is a great option, but consulting your Healthcare provider or even making a quick call to your doctor is necessary.

How long does Zofran stay in breast milk? 

Another very important question is how long does Zofran stay in the breast milk?  but the answer to this question cannot be answered due to limited research. 

However,  it is often recommended to the new mothers to not breastfeed directly after consuming a medicine and the same rule applies here as well.  

When the drug is prescribed by the doctor, never forget to be a curious patient and ask about how to intake and at what time (before breastfeeding or after feeding). Furthermore, if you haven’t asked then make sure that you have already breastfed your baby before consuming this drug so that the tiny chances of passing on to the infant through the breast milk can be avoided.

Make sure to notice the symptoms and signs in your baby’s health, it will help you to prevent further complications. During any issue, it is better to contact a healthcare provider. 

Home remedies for nausea during pregnancy 

Home remedies are the best option when it comes to treating nausea or vomiting without any negative side effects on your baby or your baby’s body. Generally, natural ingredients do not have a major impact on the body.

 There are a lot of options that can be chosen to tackle nausea while breastfeeding and a few of them are listed down below:

• Consuming Ginger
• Consuming green tea or any other herbal tea.
• Meditation
• Avoiding a lot of caffeine and fatty or packed foods
• Small and frequent healthy meals
• Stay hydrated
• Adjusting your daily schedule which Alliance with your baby’s schedule
• Asking for help from your partner

We hope that you will indulge the above home remedies in your daily routine, and minimize your dependency on drugs or other medication. Regularly meditating, yoga or a little bit of exercise will help you to lose your gained weight, will give you mental peace, and will also help in your baby’s health through the breastmilk.

 When to contact a healthcare provider? 

Whenever you feel that you are regularly getting vomiting sensations and you are not able to handle the nausea without the drug then it is high time to consult a doctor.

It would be better if you consult the same doctor who help you throughout your pregnancy, as they already know your journey and will suggest you the best option. 

There are a lot of other signs which may accompany your nausea like headache, extreme dehydration, difficulty in breathing, and chest pain. Consult a doctor as early as possible and stay healthy, consume good food, and give the best life to the baby.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed Zofran drug which is generally administered to new mums to treat nausea and vomiting. We know that these are very common and sometimes it is hard to bear them,  as they frequently interfere with your daily schedule,  which is already highly disturbed as you just welcomed your baby. 

If it is recommended by your doctor you must take the drug at the correct time without any delay. The other option is to rely on home remedies which are discussed above in the article,  as they do not have any long-term side effects on you or your baby.  We hope that this article will help you to gain the knowledge and you will apply it.

Note: This article is only for educational purposes,  it does not interfere with any of the medical advice given by your doctor to you. 

 FAQ’s

1. Can I take Vitamin B6 supplements to treat nausea and vomiting during breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Vitamin B6 supplements because studies have suggested some relief from nausea to breastfeeding women. However, it is better to take natural fruits which are rich in Vitamin B6 instead of relying on drugs.

2. Shall I contact my healthcare provider?

Yes, it is extremely important. If you are consuming the drug without medical advice,  then it can be harmful to you and your baby.

3. Will my baby get impacted by Zofran?

As mentioned in the article,  the studies have suggested that there is no impact on the baby or your health,  but consulting a Healthcare professional is highly recommended.