Medication for vaginal yeast infection: Safe while breastfeeding?
Is over-the-counter medication for a yeast infection safe for breastfeeding moms?
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
Commonly recommended treatments for vaginal yeast infections, such as clotrimazole or miconazole, are often prescribed by healthcare providers during lactation.
These are not well absorbed through the vagina - only 3 to 10% for clotrimazole and 1% for miconazole, so it's unlikely that this limited absorption would cause significant levels in a mother's milk.
If you have a vaginal yeast infection, be aware of other signs of thrush, such as nipple soreness, white plaques in baby's mouth, or a "yeast" diaper rash. If this occurs, it is recommended that both mom and baby be treated simultaneously for at least two weeks with an antifungal medication.
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