Breastfeeding and Migraine Headaches

There are million of Americans who suffer from migraine headaches daily. In fact, many moms who breastfeeding suffer from excruciating headaches. Breastfeeding should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for moms and when a mom has a debilitating migraine headache, it gets hard to function properly . Therefore, a mom needs to seek proper medical attention to find out what is the best drug to take while breastfeeding. There are many reasons why a mom gets a headache. Some of the reasons are : stress and noise, such as a crying baby, discontinued medications, blood pressure problems, thyroid problems, sleep deprivation from having a new baby, dehydration, allergies, hormonal changes after delivery, postpartum depression and weaning your baby.Try to find ways to relax such as walking and treating yourself to a massage. Make sure you are drinking and eating a well balanced meal. It is not only important for you but, it is important for your baby. I often have to remind my new moms when I go over their homes for a Lactation Consultation, to remember to do something for themselves, even if it is means taking a short walk or a fast hot shower. Resting and sleeping are important too. Find a way to take turns with your husband to watch the baby so you can take a short nap during the day. It makes a big difference when you are up at night to take a quick nap during the day.Resting also helps heal your body after delivery. Furthermore, make sure you are not only drinking water, but you are also drinking cranberry, apple, pineapple or orange juice as well etc... What migraine drugs are good while breastfeeding? The American Academy of Pediatrics states that, "Most drugs likely to be prescribed to the nursing mom, should have no effect on the milk supply or on the infant well being." Of course, the first thing you need to do when you have a migraine headache is to consult with your doctor and let them know that you are breastfeeding.Then, they will recommend you the best drug for migraines while breastfeeding. Let me talk about some of the drugs on the market for migraine headache sufferers and whether it would be a good idea to take them while breastfeeding. Naratriptan, Frovatriptan, Almotrptan, Rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan and Ergotamine are best not to be used. Instead, Sumatriptan or Imitrex as it is better known, is the drug of choice prescribed by doctors for moms while they are breastfeeding. There are different dosages. So, ask you doctor what dosage to take. Codeine may be used for a major migraine headache however, weakened or premature babies should be watches for sedation and apnea. Tylenol and Advil are safe to use for a minor migraine headache episode. Caffeine is also used for migraine headaches. Dr. Thomas W. Hale is a clinical pharmacologist professor at Texas Tech University School of Medicine.He is considered one of the leading experts in the field of human lactation and the use of medications. Dr. Thomas Hale says that at this time Imitrex (Sumatripton), is still preferred as we have good data showing its milk levels are low and the risk is low as well. Imitrex is prescribed for the treatment of migraines. Imitrex cuts headaches short. Imitrex should be taken as soon as symptoms of a migraine attack occurs. Imitrex comes in an injection form, pills or nasal spray. By the way, you can decrease the baby's exposure to a drug, by having the mom take the medication after she breastfeeds, or when the baby is due for a lengthy sleep period.Make sure that you do not overdose on your drugs. If side effects occur, immediately call your doctor. Symptoms include: burning sensation, dizziness, bluish tinge to your skin, convulsions, lack of coordination, nausea, neck pain or stiffness, sinus or nasal discomfort, sore throat, wheezing, paralysis, redness in the arms or legs, skin change at the site of the injection if you get a shot form, slow breathing, sluggishness or tremors.In conclusion, with careful study of a migraine and headache medication and consultation from your doctor, most moms who experience migraines, can decide to safely breastfeed their baby and treat their pain at the same time. I hope all of you feel better and your migraine headaches go away soon.