Hi Moms. I'm not much of a person who likes to take medication. I try not to as much as possible. Not even for a headache or cramps.
However, taking care of 4 kids and everything else around it....having A LOT THINGS ON MY MIND AND STRESS...I would like to get a good nights sleep...at least once...maybe it'll help re-energize me.
Anyone know if it's okay to take while nursing? I do plan to give my Dr a call, but since it's after hours and waiting for a call back..I'd thought I'd ask the next best thing...THE MOMMYS. :)
So, if any of you have suggestions, please do share. Thank you.
I was told Benadryl is safe, so if you have any at home maybe you could try that instead? I don't about Unisom, but Benadryl usually knocks me out. :)
When I was nursing my first, I was working closely with a lactation consultant. I also was having a lot of trouble sleeping. I asked her if I could take a unison as my OB had said it was fine during my pregnancy. My LC said no, it wasn't safe for a nursing mother.
I have experienced sleeplessness and startling awake after my second was born too (he's 5 months). Some things I have found useful are 1. No dessert/sugar after dinner (try to stay away from sugar during the day as much as possible too. 2. Earplugs. 3. Lavender linen spray. 4. White noise machine.
I hope you find wonderful rest very soon!
Go to www.drugs.com and type it in the search box. It will tell you updated and correct information.
I just went there and typed it in, and it said do not take while breat-feeding. It leaks into the milk and can be harmful for your baby.
I am also nursing and having trouble sleeping because of things on my mind. My therapist suggested Bach's Rescue Remedy and Hyland's Calm Forte. It is really helping to turn off the noise and let me sleep! Both are all natural Homeopathic remedies. I take them both at night before bed and then again when I wake up to feed the baby if I am having trouble falling back asleep. It really helps to calm me. I hope it works for you!
What a visit to an acupuncturist? You would get to relax at the appointment and then have a chance to sleep better as you can target specific areas of need with acupuncture. Much safer for breastfeeding as well.
I am not sure about Unisom, but I know that Tylenol Pm is safe because my doctor said I could use that while pregnant. So of it's ok while pregnant it's usually ok during nursing. Good luck!
The one problem with Unisom/benadryl is it's an antihistamine. I've heard it can dry you up (i.e., lessen your milk supply).
Neither Benedryl or Unisom is a good idea. All medications get into the breastmilk. Have you tried progressive muscle relaxation exercises or deep breathing? Youtube has lots of meditation videos you can try. They also have lullaby music that are great for mom & baby. There is a 1 1/2 hour lullaby- http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1386565134449949.... It is good to keep the bedroom quiet & associate it mainly with sleeptime. Melatonin is a natural herb that you could try if the lactation consultant & doctor say it is safe. You can also check out LLLI.org (La Leche League) for feedback on any of these. It is an awesome resource for nursing moms!
There is a great book that your Pediatrician can use to look up the latest information about drugs and lactation. I can't remember the name and I don't have it at home. So talk to your pediatrician.
Whatever you end up doing, if you ever take medication that affects sleep DO NOT co-sleep with your little one. (this includes alcohol). I know many of us have/do co-sleep with our little ones. If you have taken something that affects your sleep you increase the possibility of rolling over/smothering your child. Put you little one in his/her crib to sleep!
I believe Unisom is the same medication as benedryl. My midwife said benedryl was okay when pregnant or nursing.
Call a pharmacist. Are there any 24 hour pharmacys in your area? Pharmacists are often more knowledgeable than doctors when it comes to meds and reactions, etc. (That's one reason why we are supposed to get all meds at the same pharmacy.)
I suggest warm milk. That's safe for sure! :)
Call your pharmacist and ask. They ar ea great resource for these types of quesitons.
My only fear taking drugs like that (even like Nyquil, that know you out), wa not hearing the baby if she cried at night. As long as you have another adult in the house, that should not be an issue.
This is a level B for pregnancy, but an L4 for nursing Mothers.
Reason for that high warning for nursing Moms is due to issues it may cause with young infants (under 4 months) and children with sleep apnea. If your infant is older than 4 months and doesn't have sleep apnea - try a very low dose first, to see if that will help.
If you are on any antihistamines - you may want to try an alternative sleeping aid. Most people use the generic form a benedryl as a sleep aid too. Benedryl (diphenhydramine) is a safe L2 for nursing Moms.
