Pain Meds and Breastfeeding

[celle507]

I am just a student nurse doing my childbearing rotation but I am just wondering if anybody knows the percentage of pain meds (Motrin and Percocet in particular) that are excreted in breastmilk?

Is there any harm to the baby if the mother is taking these medications and breastfeeding? I think it is really important to be liberal with pain medications for postpartum pain management but I was just wondering if there are any possible side effects for the baby.

[nanna4]

Thanks for bringing up this subject...my daughter and her friend were both told they would have to choose between breastfeeding and taking SSRIs, so I gave them copies of the book mentioned to show their docs HOW UNTRUE!!