Can a mother drink smecta while breastfeeding her baby?

In the postpartum period, a woman’s immunity becomes weakened, which causes the body’s susceptibility to infections, including intestinal ones, to increase. In addition, breastfeeding involves many prohibitions on food and almost all medications. The question arises, what to do if a nursing mother is bothered by heartburn, bloating and diarrhea? The use of Smecta during breastfeeding can solve these problems. You need to figure out whether the drug is safe when breastfeeding a child, how to take it correctly so as not to harm the baby, and how the medicine affects the child’s body.

Action and composition

The main component of the Smecta medication is diosmectite, a natural substance that can relieve inflammation, soothe the intestinal mucosa, and relieve pain and flatulence.
The medicine has an enveloping effect - this helps to cope with diarrhea, remove toxins, waste products and waste products from the intestines. This effect is achieved thanks to small particles of diosmectite, which attract all of the listed harmful elements and facilitate the functioning of the intestines.

You can take Smecta even during breastfeeding, when stool disorder of any etiology occurs. This includes intestinal infections of a bacterial nature, allergic predisposition, food poisoning and other factors. The composition and effect of the drug are such that Smecta is active only in the tissues of the large intestine, without entering the general bloodstream. The active component binds bacteria and toxins, solving the problems of bloating, increased gas formation, and the presence of harmful microflora. At the same time, the body’s resistance to the introduction of harmful microorganisms from outside increases, and the balance of beneficial bacteria is normalized.

Indications for use of Smecta

As it became clear, the use of Smecta during breastfeeding solves several problems at once. Doctors prescribe medicine in the following cases:

• bloating and increased formation of gases in the intestines;
• inflammation of the gastric mucosa;
• diarrhea;
• bacterial and viral infections of the gastrointestinal tract;
• colic;
• loose stools;
• heartburn, nausea, belching, heaviness and colic in the abdomen.

We must remember! The list of medications that mothers can take while breastfeeding is limited. And only the doctor decides which medicine is suitable for solving a particular problem. Self-medication based on the indications for use indicated in the instructions is dangerous.

Use during breastfeeding: is it possible or not?

Smecta does not penetrate into the blood or into breast milk. It acts directly on the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted unchanged from the body. If the instructions are followed, the use of the suspension is harmless to a nursing mother and baby.

Directions for use and dosage

• For acute symptoms – 5-6 packets per day.
• Weak, moderate severity - 3-4 packets.
• The course of treatment for hepatitis B is 3-7 days, until the symptoms are suppressed.
• Dissolve: 1 packet per 100 ml of water, drink in 3 doses.
• Take 1.5 hours after eating (with the exception of heartburn, immediately after eating).
• The interval between doses is at least two hours.
• The maximum daily dose is 6 packets.

The drug consists of organic components that do not affect the quality of milk. Not a single case of an allergic reaction of an infant to the powder has been recorded.

Smecta is also recommended for nursing mothers for preventive purposes, to improve digestive function after childbirth. The maximum course of treatment is 1 week. If further use is necessary, a repeated consultation with a gastroenterologist is required.

Contraindications and side effects

Smecta during breastfeeding is contraindicated in the following cases:

• intestinal obstruction;
• congenital intestinal anomalies;
• individual sensitivity to diosmectite;
• fructose intolerance;
• hypersensitivity;
• enzyme deficiency;
• glucose-galactose malabsorption;
• sucrase-isomaltase deficiency.

Can Smecta be used while breastfeeding?

Smecta is one of the drugs that doctors recommend when problems with the stomach and intestines occur in mothers who are breastfeeding. Thanks to its natural composition, the medicine does not harm the health of the newborn and allows you to quickly eliminate the symptoms of infection, flatulence and diarrhea.

Another advantage of the drug is the absence of allergic reactions to the main active ingredient diosmectite. It is not absorbed into the blood, but only affects the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, which is why it does not enter the milk and cannot negatively affect the baby’s well-being.

The answer to the question whether a mother can drink Smecta while breastfeeding is unequivocal - she can.

Even pediatricians choose the medication when problems with loose stools and colic occur in young infants. For safe use, you just need to make sure there are no contraindications and do not exceed the prescribed dosage.

How does it affect lactation and the baby?

Doctors claim that Smecta does not affect the amount of milk and does not imply interruption of natural feeding during the period of use. However, the drug is hygroscopic, that is, it absorbs substances that are in the intestines and can cause poisoning. Therefore, if a nursing mother takes additional medications during treatment with Smecta, including to improve lactation, their effect may be significantly reduced.

Smecta should be taken during lactation according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor, but it is better if the next feeding occurs 3-4 hours after consuming the powder. Studies have not revealed any negative effects on the child. On the contrary, it was found that in combination with diet and taking Smecta while breastfeeding, a mother can solve the problem of allergies in an infant. The action does not apply to cases where the baby’s skin rashes are caused by external allergens - poor-quality linen, unsuitable washing powder, etc.

Composition and effect of the drug

The product is recommended as a concentrated adsorbent of natural origin. Envelops and protects the walls of the digestive tract from the action of pathogens. Absorbs microbes and various harmful substances, removes them from the body with feces.

Table 1 - Components included in the drug

There are 10 grams of powder in one package, 12 pieces in a cardboard package, available in orange and vanilla flavors. The bulk mixture is diluted with water until a light yellow suspension is formed. The main active ingredient in the composition is diosmectite. A substance of natural origin (a mixture of aluminum and magnesium) has a stabilizing, enveloping, protective effect on the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Expert opinion

Sokolova L. S.

Pediatrician of the highest category

The safe ratio of organic components allows women to drink Smecta during lactation and prescribe the drug to babies.

In what cases should I take it?

The medicine is used in the complex treatment of gastrointestinal disorders accompanied by pain, colic, and spasms. Smecta is one of the few powders allowed for mothers while breastfeeding. The powder is prescribed even to infants with digestive disorders.

Side effects and contraindications

Despite the safety of Smecta during breastfeeding, a nursing mother should make sure that there are no contraindications to taking the powder:

• fructose intolerance;
• lack of ability in the body to absorb disaccharides and simple carbohydrates;
• allergy to the components of the drug;
• intestinal obstruction;
• regular constipation.

Important! With weakened intestinal motor function, the use of Smecta will only aggravate the situation, since it belongs to the group of hygroscopic ones. Therefore, if you have gas, heartburn and abdominal pain due to constipation, the doctor will recommend a different medication that does not have a binding effect.

If there is no therapeutic effect from taking Smecta for more than 2-3 days, a woman breastfeeding should visit the doctor again and find out the cause of the pathological symptoms. You should not take more medicine than the specialist has authorized in the hope of speeding up recovery, as this may cause an overdose. This side effect manifests itself as signs of an allergy - skin rashes and itching, and the problem can be stopped by stopping taking Smecta.

If there is a strong reaction to the medicine, the doctor may prescribe Suprastin - antihistamine tablets approved for the treatment of allergies during breastfeeding. But drinking them yourself is dangerous; a doctor's prescription is required.

Features of taking the drug during breastfeeding

To prevent Smecta from harming the nursing mother and the newborn during lactation, it must be consumed in compliance with several rules:

• The powder cannot be dissolved in cold water, it must be warm, but not scalding - pour one sachet into half a glass of liquid;
• The medication is taken an hour before eating or an hour after it;
• between taking Smecta and another medicine prescribed by a doctor, there must be at least a two-hour break so that the drug has time to be absorbed and does not lose its effect;
• If side effects occur (itching on the skin, rash, redness and constipation), consult a specialist to adjust the dose or discontinue Smecta.

It is recommended to plan the next feeding no earlier than 3 hours after taking Smecta. Previously diluted powder should not be used. Before each dose, a fresh dose of the medicine is diluted; it cannot be prepared for future use and stored in the refrigerator.

Dosage

According to the instructions, nursing mothers can take Smecta during lactation according to the following regimen:

• three sachets daily in the first three days of the disease;
• two powders on the fourth day;
• one sachet of medicine on the fifth day of treatment.

If the doctor diagnoses persistent diarrhea, then the dosage in the first three days of treatment is increased to 6 packets of Smecta instead of three. Without a prescription, the course of therapy should not exceed a week, and in case of overdose, you should stop using the powders altogether and seek medical help.

Analogs

For mothers who, for certain reasons, cannot take Smecta while breastfeeding, the doctor may prescribe another drug with similar properties. The main thing is that its use during lactation is safe and effective. Such analogues include:

• Neosmectin;
• Enterosgel;
• Polysorb;
• Activated carbon;
• Loperamide;
• Linux;
• Hilak Forte;
• Bifidumbacterin.

Advice! Each of these drugs has the properties of restoring intestinal microflora, stopping diarrhea and removing harmful substances from the body. But the doctor must select the right Smecta substitute based on the diagnosis and clinical picture.

Taking Smecta against heartburn, pain and colic in the intestines, diarrhea and bloating is safe even during breastfeeding. If a nursing mother does not exceed the prescribed dose, feeds her baby 2-3 hours after taking the medicine and follows the rules of use, the positive effect of therapy will occur after 1-2 days. If there are side effects, contraindications and no changes in well-being (and even more so if symptoms worsen), you should not delay a visit to a specialist.

smecta when breastfeeding

During the 5 months of my baby’s life, she did not eat normally at all. Cries at my chest all the time. Gas trucks are tormenting. We took tests: caprogram, dysbacteriosis, carbohydrates. Carbohydrates 1.2 when the norm is up to 0.25, hidden blood in the stool (an allergic reaction to both the food that I eat and the formula in supplementary feeding), Klebsiella 10^8 and Staphylococcus aureus 10^3. In short, horror. Endless consultations with pediatricians and gastroenterologists. Paid and free. But there is no result. As a result, we were told to eat an amino acid mixture as a supplement; we also ate complete hydrolyzate. But the child did not feel better.

But now there is hope for a miracle. We found a good doctor. He works at the Gabrichevsky Institute, Kopanev Yuri Aleksandrovich. He gave us 1.5 hours. He said that we had healed the child. That an allergy to cow's milk protein is a rare genetic disease and the fact that we have it is like the possibility of giving birth to a child without arms and legs. Made a treatment plan. He said that it is necessary for a protective film to appear on the intestines, then there will be no allergies or lactase deficiency, and the pancreas will work normally. This protective film is created by lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. But for them to take root, conditions must be created. Since there is a lot of Klebsiella that needs to be combated, it will not allow lactobacilli to attach; he said about staphylococcus that there is little of it and it does not cause concern to the child. Prescribed polyvalent pyobacteriophage for 8 days. But before treatment he said to take 2-4 days and return to regular formula. Do not pay attention to rashes and colic. Transition gradually, not abruptly (on the first day, replace 1 scoop at each feeding, on day 2, 2 scoops, etc.). That's what we did. It took 4 days to switch from Neocate Amino Acid to regular Frisolac Gold. Then treatment began.

1. Drink 30 minutes before meals, 1 bottle 10 days in the morning.

2. Pyobacteriophage polyvalent 5 mg day and evening in the mouth 30 minutes before meals and 10 ml (heat the ampoule under the tap to 37 degrees) in the butt with an enema and squeeze the buns for 1-2 minutes to absorb. We give it for 8 days. These are 2 packages of them, 4 ampoules each, 20 mg each.

3. Mezim forte from days 1-10, 1/2 tablet 3 times a day before meals. 11-17 days 1/4 tablet 3 times a day and 18-20 days 1/8 tablet 3 times a day.

After we drink the phage:

Normoflorin "L" and Normoflorin "B" 1 teaspoon (5 mg) before meals, alternate in feedings for 1 month. For example, in the morning “L” at lunch “B”, then at the next feeding “L” and subsequent “B”.

At the same time, I myself do not need to go on a strict diet. Everything is allowed except spices, citrus fruits and sweets are allowed, but whole milk is not allowed.

After 2 weeks of treatment, start introducing complementary foods to the child with vegetable purees, then fermented milk products, then porridge, and after 6 months: cottage cheese, yolk, after 7 months - meat and after 9-10 months - fish

We just started treatment today. The doctor warned that there will be a war in the stomach, he will scream even more, so be patient and do not deviate from treatment, then after 3 weeks we will notice improvements

I’ll say right away that we switched to milk formula easily. I didn't notice any changes in behavior. Today she gave a kip and a phage, so far she is behaving the same way. Let's see how things go further. With lactobacilli, you can give sorbents (enterosgel and smecta), so that feedings do not coincide, 30 minutes before meals. And with phages to reduce pain: subsimplex, espumizan, bobotik, no-shpu and lactrofiltrum. Finally, when there is an abundance of gases, the gas outlet pipe