Can You Take Monistat While Breastfeeding?

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By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Monistat While Breastfeeding?

Yes indeed, you can use Monistat, which contains miconazole, while breastfeeding. This medication isn't likely to negatively impact your breastfeeding baby because it's poorly absorbed from the skin and vagina and has poor oral bioavailability. So it's generally safe for use.

However, it's worth noting that when it comes to treating sore nipples during breastfeeding, miconazole ointment seems to have no advantage over lanolin, according to some research. In fact, a survey of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 1 found that topical miconazole is rarely prescribed to nursing mothers to treat thrush.

If you do use it, make sure to remove any excess cream or ointment from your nipples before nursing your baby. And a little tip: opt for water-miscible cream or gel products when applying to the breast, as ointments could expose your baby to high levels of mineral paraffins through licking. Always remember, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. N B Brent"Thrush in the breastfeeding dyad: results of a survey on diagnosis and treatment"SageJournals, vol. 40, no. 9Sep 1, 2001, pp. 503-506https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11583049/.


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Updated on Dec 3, 2023

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Can You Take Monistat While Breastfeeding?

 Krystal Duhaney Profile Photo
By Krystal Duhaney | Updated on Dec 3, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Monistat While Breastfeeding?

Yes indeed, you can use Monistat, which contains miconazole, while breastfeeding. This medication isn't likely to negatively impact your breastfeeding baby because it's poorly absorbed from the skin and vagina and has poor oral bioavailability. So it's generally safe for use.

However, it's worth noting that when it comes to treating sore nipples during breastfeeding, miconazole ointment seems to have no advantage over lanolin, according to some research. In fact, a survey of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine 1 found that topical miconazole is rarely prescribed to nursing mothers to treat thrush.

If you do use it, make sure to remove any excess cream or ointment from your nipples before nursing your baby. And a little tip: opt for water-miscible cream or gel products when applying to the breast, as ointments could expose your baby to high levels of mineral paraffins through licking. Always remember, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication while breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. N B Brent"Thrush in the breastfeeding dyad: results of a survey on diagnosis and treatment"SageJournals, vol. 40, no. 9Sep 1, 2001, pp. 503-506https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11583049/.


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