Question:

I have taken stimulant laxatives and stool softeners, is it possible that the laxative is being passed on to my baby while breastfeeding?

Answer:

Stool softeners are not absorbed into the blood stream and therefore will not enter into breast milk.

Stimulant laxatives, however, will be absorbed and enter the breast milk.

The baby may then develop loose stools and if taken regularly, may sometimes cause the baby to have diarrhea.

For more information:

Go to the Breast Feeding health topic.