Camphor Ointment while Breastfeeding

Q: If I am using Camphor Ointment , will my baby need extra monitoring?

Yes, Extra monitoring is required if mother is using Camphor Ointment and breastfeeding as it is considered unsafe for baby.

There are high number of clear evidence that breastfeeding provides best nutrition that you can give to your baby. It is also evident that lactation is good for mothers health as well. Evolution has designed breastfeeding in a way that it caters all nutritional need of your child. However modern medicine is quite new for evolution, that is why mothers body is not well prepared to filter unnecessary chemical found in medicines. It becomes a necessity to figure out which drug is safe and which drug is dangerous for your newborn while nursing. In this article we will understand function of Camphor Ointment and its suitability with breastfeeding.

What is Camphor Ointment used for?

Camphor Ointment External Use Only Temporary relief of minor pains: Muscular Aches | Arthritis Rheumatism | Backache

Brief: Uses Temporary relief of minor pain Rheumatism Muscular Aches Arthritis Backache

Is Camphor Ointment usage safe while breastfeeding? If a lactating mother is using it can there be any effect on growth or development of infant?

Camphor Ointment high risk while breastfeeding

As Camphor Ointment is made of only Camphor (natural), and Camphor (natural) is unsafe to use in breastfeeding we can safely reach on conclusion that Camphor Ointment is also unsafe to use while breastfeeding. Below is detailed analysis of Camphor (natural) and Camphor Ointment during location. We recommend you to go through provided detailed analysis as below take decision accordingly. We also recommend you talk to your health care provider before making final decision.

Camphor Ointment Breastfeeding Analsys

Camphor (natural) while Breastfeeding

Unsafe

CAS Number: 76-22-2

Substance which can be extracted under distillation from the Camphor tree bark. Nowadays it is synthesized from the Turpentine. Used with creams and lotions as local anti-inflammatory agent. There is no proof of effectiveness as decongestant or expectorant when used in inhaled preparations, but as a toxic agent. Camphor is a highly lipophilic substance which is well absorbed by whatever via of administration (skin, inhalation, mouth) that crosses easily the cell membrane. Pharmacokinetic data support the likelihood of excretion into breast milk in a significant amount. Camphor has been shown to be toxic at low dose on infants in whom it may cause headache, vomiting, seizures and coma. It should never be administered by mouth. It is not appropriate its use during breastfeeding, and, in whatever case, it should not be applied on the mother's breast, since severe intoxications be occurred in infants after use of small ingested amounts. Be aware of not using it in the nostrils.

What should I do if I am breastfeeding mother and I am already exposed to Camphor Ointment?

We have already established that Camphor Ointment is unsafe in breastfeeding and breastfeeding while using Camphor Ointment is not a good idea however if have already used and then breastfed the baby then you shall monitor the behavior and health of baby closely and inform your doctor as soon as possible. In case of emergency please call 911.

I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Camphor Ointment, is it safe?

If your doctor knows that you are breastfeeding mother and still prescribes Camphor Ointment then there must be good reason for that as Camphor Ointment is considered unsafe, It usually happens when doctor finds that overall advantage of taking outweighs the overall risk.

If I am using Camphor Ointment, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Yes, Extra monitoring is required if mother is using Camphor Ointment and breastfeeding as it is considered unsafe for baby.

Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Camphor Ointment in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week