Start with your doctor
MedlinePlus notes that some medicines can pass into breast milk. So before any drip or add-in, ask your doctor or your baby's doctor. Take the ingredient list with you.
One to know about: MedlinePlus says not to breastfeed while taking ketorolac, the medicine called Toradol. It's in our Migraine and Hangover drips, and it's on our add-in list. Zofran (ondansetron) is in those same two drips and on the add-in list too; MedlinePlus says to tell your doctor you're breastfeeding before taking it.
Why nutrition comes up
Making milk takes extra calories and nutrients. With a new baby, it can also be hard to sit down for a meal or remember to drink water.
Which nutrients you need more of while nursing, and whether a supplement makes sense for you, are questions for your doctor. Your baby's doctor is a good person to ask too.
What's in two of our simplest drips
If your doctor is open to a drip, here's what's in two of the simplest ones on our menu, so you have something concrete to ask about. Saline is sterile salt water.
- Hydration: 1 liter of normal saline, $140
- Pregnancy: 1 liter of saline with prenatal vitamins, $200
What the visit is like
A nurse or paramedic comes to your home, office or hotel, so you don't have to pack up the baby. You'll fill out a short medical form first, and your nurse takes your vitals before anything starts.
The needle only places a tiny, flexible tube in a vein, then comes out. Plan on about 45 to 60 minutes.
Add-ins, and what to tell your nurse
Any drip can take add-ins, $25 each, so check each one with your doctor too. On the day, tell your nurse:
- That you're breastfeeding, even if it's on your form.
- Every medicine, vitamin and supplement you take.
- Any allergy, and any reaction you've had to an IV before.
- What your doctor said about the drip.
