Constipation from Taking Pain Medication While Breastfeeding

Sounds like a double whammy... formula definitely causes the two extrmemes of pooping - constipation and diarrhea. But having too much pain medication can do it too.

Vicodin IS commonly used and found to be safe in breastfeeding. Older infants have a much lower chance of having a constipation side effect. The basis of the study was done with 5-10mg of Hydrocodone every 4-6 hours as needed.

Medications and Mother's Milk by Dr. T Hale - 2008 Ed

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How about asking the pharmacist? They understand drugs even better than doctors do. Ask the pharmacist to research it and call you back, so he/she has time to really look into it.

Vicodin is a bear for constipation when you take it, but I am wondering if the formula is the real culprit for your baby. I'd give her baby prunes (jar food) and watered down baby prune juice to get her bowels softened up. And if you find negative definitive info about the vicodin, try to wean quicker and manage the constipation until her system gets used to the formula.

I hope your back feels better soon. More than a month on vicodan is a long time. How about acupuncture or massage therapy, or both?

Best to you,
D.

1 mom found this helpful

My ped recommended pears or pear juice for constipation and it's worked every time. I keep it in the house and we all use it, even my husband and I, when we need it.
Formula is probably more likely the cause. Maybe try a different base, if you're using a milk base switch to soy for instance and see if it helps.

My mom is a pharmacist - she says that vicodin can cause constipation in the person taking it, and since everything in your system gets passed onto baby, it could definitely cause constipation in your baby. Hope that helps!

Oh - and when my baby was constipated, I introduced pureed prunes into her diet...seemed to help.

i think itd be more likely the formula switch/combo would be causing constipation but its possible. increase your fiber and add some probiotic to the formula.

Yes it is possible for the baby to experience side effects from the vicodin, but the constipation is probably caused from a combination of the vicodin and diet change. Check with your Pedi see what he has to say. You can try prune juice.

I hope that your back pain is better soon.

I don't but prune juice and more water seem to always help me or the babies when backed up.