Prednisone is a commonly prescribed corticosteroid medication used to treat various inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. For breastfeeding parents, a common concern arises regarding its potential impact on milk supply. This article addresses whether prednisone affects breast milk supply and provides information for those considering its use while nursing.
How Prednisone Affects Milk Supply
Prednisone can influence breast milk supply, particularly at higher doses or with prolonged use. The precise mechanisms are not fully understood, but corticosteroids are thought to disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for lactation. For instance, these medications may interfere with prolactin secretion, a hormone that plays a significant role in milk production.
Studies indicate that high doses of prednisone can sometimes lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply. This effect can also be seen with medium to large doses of depot corticosteroids injected into joints. The impact varies, with some experiencing no noticeable change while others observe a reduction in their milk volume.
Managing Prednisone Use While Breastfeeding
When prescribed prednisone while breastfeeding, careful consideration and communication with a healthcare provider are important. It is advised to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible to minimize potential effects on milk supply. Monitoring your milk supply closely is a practical strategy, which can involve observing your baby’s feeding patterns, the number of wet and soiled diapers, and their weight gain.
To maintain milk supply, frequent nursing or pumping is beneficial, as milk production is largely driven by demand. If a higher dose of prednisone is necessary, experts suggest timing the dose to avoid breastfeeding when medication levels in milk are at their highest, one to two hours after ingestion. For doses above 20 mg daily, discarding breast milk obtained within four hours following medication can minimize infant exposure, though this may not be necessary for everyone. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen or breastfeeding practices.
Prednisone Safety for Breastfed Infants
Prednisone is considered compatible with breastfeeding, as only a small amount transfers into breast milk. Research indicates that the amount of prednisone found in breast milk is very low, and no adverse effects have been reported in breastfed infants whose mothers were taking the medication.
Despite the minimal transfer, infants should be monitored for any unusual changes, especially if the mother is on a high dose or long-term treatment. This includes observing for adequate weight gain. The benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the minimal risks associated with prednisone exposure for the infant.