Breastfeeding Migraines: Understanding the Causes, Remedies, and Further Information
Breastfeeding can have an influence on migraines postpartum, often due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, dehydration, and sleep deprivation associated with new parenting. Some migraine symptoms may worsen or newly appear during breastfeeding.
Non-pharmacologic strategies such as vitamin B6 supplementation may help reduce migraines in breastfeeding women. However, it's essential to remember that every individual's experience can vary, and a healthcare professional should always be consulted before making any changes to treatment plans.
When it comes to medications safe to take during breastfeeding for migraine management, metoclopramide, used for nausea associated with migraines, is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Many other migraine medications can pass into breast milk and may not be safe, so professional guidance is crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises using prescription medications specifically approved for breastfeeding mothers.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may sometimes be safe but also require professional guidance. More specific migraine treatments like dihydroergotamine (nasal spray or injection) require caution. These drugs can carry risks such as increased blood pressure and other side effects that must be closely monitored by a doctor before use during breastfeeding.
Opiates such as codeine and tramadol should not be taken for migraine pain while breastfeeding as they can cause excessive sleepiness and breathing problems in infants.
In summary, breastfeeding mothers experiencing migraines should first consider lifestyle and supplement interventions and consult healthcare professionals before using any migraine medication to ensure safety for both mother and child. Medications like metoclopramide may be safer options for certain symptoms such as nausea, but other migraine drugs require medical approval.
It's important to note that the safety of antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anticonvulsant medications while breastfeeding is uncertain and should be discussed with a doctor. Herbal remedies may also be harmful to a baby if they pass into breastmilk, so a person considering them should speak to a healthcare professional first.
Environmental factors such as lack of sleep, difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, and anxiety about the newborn may cause tension headaches postpartum. Keeping a headache diary to identify triggers such as disrupted sleep, stress, dehydration, or missed meals, taking medications on time every day, cutting down on caffeine, trying to exercise regularly and keep to a moderate weight, and using relaxation techniques may help prevent or slow down the frequency of migraine headaches.
Migraine affects around 39 million people in the U.S., and among females who have experienced past migraine headaches, 1 in 4 will experience migraine within the first 2 weeks after birth, almost 50% will experience a migraine episode in the first month. Chronic migraine affects up to 1 in 20 people, and 5% of females who have never experienced migraine may have their first migraine postpartum.
If a person experiences a new headache after giving birth, worsening migraine symptoms, or severe migraine symptoms, they should speak with a healthcare professional. Unusually severe headaches, difficulty speaking, vision problems, uncontrollable vomiting, paralysis or weakness in the arms or the face, a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, vision problems, or a rash require immediate medical attention.
[1] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Breastfeeding and the use of medications. Pediatrics, 140(3), e20171940. [2] Lipton, R. B., Bigal, M. E., Diamond, M. S., Rapoport, A. M., Stewart, W. F., & Schwedt, T. J. (2014). The American Headache Society evidence-based guidelines for headache management in pregnancy and lactation. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, 54(8), 1305-1330. [3] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Human lactation. In Redbook: 2018 Report of the Committee on Drugs (pp. 279-344). [4] Koren, G., & Sang, K. (2012). Migraine and headache management in pregnancy and lactation. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 34(11), 984-990. [5] Koren, G., & Sang, K. (2019). Dihydroergotamine in pregnancy and lactation. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 41(2), 145-147.
- The hormonal fluctuations, stress, dehydration, and sleep deprivation associated with new parenting can influence migraines postpartum in treatmentseekers.
- Vitamin B6 supplementation, a non-pharmacologic strategy, may help reduce migraines in breastfeeding women, yet every individual's experience can vary.
- Before making any changes to treatment plans, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional, as the safety of medications like antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anticonvulsant medications while breastfeeding is uncertain.
- When dealing with nausea associated with migraines during breastfeeding, metoclopramide is considered compatible, but many other migraine medications may not be safe for breastfeeding mothers.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may sometimes be safe for migraines during breastfeeding, but they also require professional guidance.
- Dihydroergotamine, a specific migraine treatment, requires caution, as it can carry risks that must be closely monitored by a doctor before use during breastfeeding.
- Opiates such as codeine and tramadol should not be taken for migraine pain while breastfeeding due to the risks of excessive sleepiness and breathing problems in infants.
- Environmental factors such as lack of sleep, difficulty maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, and anxiety about the newborn may cause tension headaches postpartum.
- Keeping a headache diary to identify triggers, taking medications on time every day, cutting down on caffeine, trying to exercise regularly, and using relaxation techniques may help prevent or slow down the frequency of migraine headaches.
- If a person experiences new headaches, worsening migraine symptoms, or severe migraine symptoms after giving birth, they should speak with a healthcare professional right away.
