Is Sodium bicarbonate compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate

January 12, 2015 (Very Low Risk)

It is contained in preparations used for treatment of excessive gastric acidity, oral rehydration solutions and fluids for intravenous use that aim the correction of acute metabolic acidosis. Also used for long-standing treatment of chronic metabolic acidosis due to kidney malfunction.

Oral bicarbonate solutions neutralize gastric acidity with production of Carbon Dioxide. The rest is absorbed by the gut. In the plasma, bicarbonate is kept at normal physiological range, with the excess eliminated by the kidney.

Epithelial cells of the mammary gland regulate the entrance of sodium and bicarbonate into the mother's milk, with little effect on milk composition due to diet.

Bicarbonate decreases secretion of Prolactin in cases of secondary Hyperprolactinemia due to metabolic acidosis, but does not affect production of the milk.

WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (2002): compatible with breastfeeding

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Sodium bicarbonate since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Baking Soda
  • Sodium Acid Carbonate
  • Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
  • νάτριο διττανθρακικό
  • Бикарбонат Натрия
  • 炭酸水素ナトリウム

Drug trade names

References

  1. Rojas Vega S, Strüder HK, Wahrmann BV, Bloch W, Hollmann W. Bicarbonate reduces serum prolactin increase induced by exercise to exhaustion. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006Abstract
  2. Mahadevan U, Kane S. American gastroenterological association institute technical review on the use of gastrointestinal medications in pregnancy. Gastroenterology. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. WHO / UNICEF. BREASTFEEDING AND MATERNAL MEDICATION Recommendations for Drugs in the Eleventh WHO Model List of Essential Drugs. Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (WHO/UNICEF) 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Ereman RR, Lönnerdal B, Dewey KG. Maternal sodium intake does not affect postprandial sodium concentrations in human milk. J Nutr. 1987Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Hanssen KF, Torjesen PA. Increased serum prolactin in diabetic ketoacidosis; correlation between serum sodium and serum prolacting concentration. Acta Endocrinol (Copenh). 1977Abstract