The shop is currently closed. Find out more

The Breastfeeding Network HomepageThe Breastfeeding Network

Home » Indigestion and Breastfeeding
FACTSHEET

Indigestion and Breastfeeding

This information can also be viewed as a PDF by clicking here.

The information provided is taken from various reference sources.  It is provided as a guideline.  No responsibility can be taken by the author or the Breastfeeding Network for the way in which the information is used.  Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of medical and breastfeeding practitioners.  The data presented here is intended to provide some immediate information but cannot replace input from professionals.

Antacids and alginates are safe during breastfeeding.

Choose according to personal preference.

The main symptom of indigestion is discomfort around the stomach area. You may also experience heartburn or this may occur on its own. Symptoms frequently come on soon after eating or drinking, although there can sometimes be a delay before experiencing indigestion. Heartburn is caused by acid that passes back up the throat from the stomach. It often is worse when you lie down or go to bed. If you have indigestion, you may also feel uncomfortably full, frequently burp or pass wind, feel bloated or even sick.

Simple antacids are composed of a combination of aluminium, magnesium and calcium salts all of which reduce acidity. Antacids may have peppermint or spearmint flavour added, both of which have historically been used to settle the stomach. Antacids do not alter the volume of hydrochloric acid produced and if used in excess may cause the body to produce more acid.

Sodium bicarbonate solution – an old household remedy is particularly bad at doing this and should be avoided.

Aluminium containing antacids may produce a constipating action if consumed in excess e.g. aluminium hydroxide. Magnesium containing products may produce a laxative action if consumed in excess e.g. magnesium trisilicate, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia®). Calcium containing antacids generally rely on the neutralising properties of calcium carbonate (Rennie Rap-Eze® Settlers ®. Most commercial products contain a mixture of ingredients. None of the ingredients in antacids are likely to pass into breastmilk as they only act locally to neutralise excess stomach acid.

Simeticone (Dimeticone) is used to relieve flatulence and abdominal discomfort due to wind. It causes bubbles of gas in the gut to coalesce, aiding dispersion of wind. It is often combined with antacids. Brand names: Altacite Plus® , Asilone®,  Windcheaters® Maalox Plus®, Rennie Deflatine®, Remegel Wind Relief®

Many women are familiar with taking alginates during pregnancy. Alginates form a pH neutral raft on top of the food contents of the stomach in order to prevent regurgitation and heartburn resulting from irritation of the oesophagus. They are poorly absorbed from the gut and can safely be taken during breastfeeding. E.g Gaviscon ®, Gaviscon Advance ®

If your symptoms persist after the Festive Period and do not respond to lifestyle changes, antacids or alginates your GP may suggest other medication. This may be a H2 antagonist:

e.g Cimetidine or ranitidine (drug of choice in breastfeeding) or a Proton Pump Inhibitor;

e.g. Omeprazole (drug of choice in breastfeeding), lansoprazole or esomeprazole. Ranitidine and omeprazole reach breastmilk in levels significantly lower than those used to treat reflux in babies

Bibliography

 

©Dr Wendy Jones MBE, MRPharmS and the Breastfeeding Network Sept 2019