Metformin & Breastfeeding

[tk1999]

I am going to see my GP next week about recommencing treatment for PCOS - last time I was on metformin (prescribed by my Ob/Gynae). I will likely get a referral to see the Ob/Gynae again but want to arm myself with info on metformin and breastfeeding...

I know that in all likelihood stopping BFing will result in ovulation return but I didn't ovualate until on metformin last time so want to gather info...

so what can the lovely wise BB women share?

[[M]umma[M]ia]

I was wondering this myself a while ago. I know it is safe to take while breastfeeding but cant remember why so I found some info for you

Lactation

There are three published studies of metformin in breast milk. The milk:serum or milklasma ratio varied between 0.18 and 1.00, while the estimated mean infant dose as a percentage of the mother's weight-adjusted dose varied between 0.18% and 1.08%. This dose is much less than the usual 10% level of concern.11 Women can be reassured that it is unlikely that there will be any significant effect on their babies. In particular, there is no risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia, in contrast to the use of drugs stimulating insulin release, such as the sulfonylureas. Maintenance of maternal euglycaemia during lactation remains an important principle to reduce the risk of subsequent obesity in the child.12

Conclusion

Evidence is emerging that metformin may improve insulin sensitivity during pregnancy. This may be of benefit in gestational diabetes, but further evidence is required. Metformin can be used by women who are breastfeeding.

[Hansie]

Can't give you any evidence or information as above but just wanted to let you know that I have taken Metformin through both my pregnancies and whilst breastfeeding. Both Ob & GP supported it.

I did have DS2 checked for diabetes but that was because he would drink water like it was going out of fashion but the tests came back all clear.

[Feijoa Mum]

So it is safe???

I went to the GP last week and was prescribed metformin to try and regulate my periods a bit. Im not TTC and he knew I was breastfeeding.

However I got home and good old DR Google confused me. Some said it was ok to take while feeding and others said no.
I went to my own GP with my DS for something else and I asked him while I was there if it was ok for me to take it and he looked it up and it said there wasnt enough evidence and basically it was advised to weigh up it up. Either give up feeding or give up metformin.

Arrrggghhhh im still confused??

Lady is 16 months and is only having a morning and night feed now and has a good diet. Do they say no because it could lower her blood sugar too??

I want to start taking it but I am not ready to wean yet so I thought I couldnt take it yet. Now I find this and have been given hope again.
Please enlighten me ladies

[Hansie]

All I can say is that my boys are happy healthy, no medical ailments at all a part from the normal colds etc and none associated with me taking Metformin. If I didn't take it my insulin resistance would be out of control & I'd either be diabetic or close too it. I can't comment on periods yet I have had one when DS2 dropped his night feed but then got sick with a cold & cough & started feeding again. My average cycle has always been 36 days on Metformin.
I also take it at night before I go to bed & DS2 doesn't feed from 7pm - 5-6am. Enough time for it to get in my system even though they release for 24hrs. Having said that I have taken it the same way since before and after he & his brother were born. It just suits me better.

I think this maybe a personal choice.

GL