Ladies on bp medication or who have been with previous pregnancies

Mrs. Braxton

I was just started on medication a couple weeks ago and didn't think to ask my OB at my last appointment if this will have any effect on my ability to breastfeed? I know I should probably ask at my next appointment but for now, I was just wondering if anyone else has aked or knows? I would think that if it's safe enough to take while I'm pregnant it's safe enough to take while I'm breastfeeding but I don't really want to assume anything. TIA.

jctewes

im on labetalol and my dr told me i was safe to breastfeed.

liv97

I was on labetalol pre-delivery, and then they switched me to enalapril.  they said lots of people take labetalol for breastfeeding and its safe, but in their opinion enalapril was safer. 

Halo79RN

with #1, I was placed on labetolol.  OB sent me to primary post partum for bp control... he flipped b/c I was bf'ing (well, pumping) and taking it...  turns out he wasn't sure ... he weaned me of it, sent me to a cardiologist (who I saw a week later)... I had nose bleeds and headaches and my b/p was through the roof... but dd had been readmitted for feeding issues and jaundice, so I didn't want to leave her... so (bad nurse that I am) dealt with it... I wasn't really rational those first 2 wks pp. 

anyway, to answer your question... it's okay to take per my cardiologist at the time.

bump54321

I've been wondering the same thing and plan on asking at my appointment tomorrow.  But it's good to hear from the other ladies who've had experience

BrainySmurfette

What are you on?  I was rotated through several meds while I was breastfeeding.  I was on Procardia XL, labetalol, lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, and metaprolol -- all at different points in time.  There are a bunch of safe BP meds for nursing.  If the one you are on is one of the ones that isn't, you can most likely be switched to something else post partum.

orangejuice

Liv - -

 

I don't mean to alarm you but Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor which is a huge no-no during pregnancy.  See:

https://blood-pressure.emedtv.com/enalapril/enalapril-and-pregnancy.html

There are three commonly used (safe) drugs for hypertension during pregnancy:  Lebetalol, Procardia (nifedipine), and Aldomet (methyldopa)

futrkingsley

I took nifedipine and methyldopa during pg, methyldopa post-partum while BFing and am now on propranalol while BFing (and have been for a year for heart palpitations).

When checking on meds and BFing, I found most docs I encountered freaked right out at hte prospect of medicating a breastfeeding mother and urged weening at every turn.  Instead, I used the guidelines in my "Nursing Mother's Companion" book for suggestions for safer alternatives.

Mrs. Braxton

Thanks for all the responses! I'm on Methyldopa. Seems to be one of the safe ones, per pps but I will confirm with the OB on Tues!

bump54321

Ok.  Here is what my OB told me today.  I'm on Labetalol and my OB said it would be fine for me to BF while on it.  But, she also said that they would monitor me and take me off if possible.  She also mentioned possibly putting me on something else, but she said whatever she put me on, it would be safe for me to BF.