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FACTSHEET

Indigestion and Breastfeeding

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This factsheet is intended to provide access to relevant evidence-based information. The national guidelines, research, data, pharmacokinetic properties and links shared are taken from various reference sources, they were checked at the time of publication for appropriateness and were in date. These are provided where we believe the information may be useful but we do not take any responsibility for their content. This factsheet is provided to empower users to make an informed decision about their treatment; but it does not constitute medical advice and cannot replace medical assessment, diagnosis, treatment or follow up from appropriately trained healthcare professionals with relevant competence.

The Breastfeeding Network factsheets will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, usually within three years or sooner where major clinical updates or evidence are published. No responsibility can be taken by the Breastfeeding Network or contributing authors for the way in which the information is used.

If you have any questions about this information, you can contact the Drugs in Breastmilk team through their Facebook page or on druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.

Antacids and alginates are safe during breastfeeding.

Choose according to personal preference.

The main symptom of indigestion is discomfort around the stomach area. You may also experience heartburn or this may occur on its own. Symptoms frequently come on soon after eating or drinking, although there can sometimes be a delay before experiencing indigestion. Heartburn is caused by acid that passes back up the throat from the stomach. It often is worse when you lie down or go to bed. If you have indigestion, you may also feel uncomfortably full, frequently burp or pass wind, feel bloated or even sick.

Simple antacids are composed of a combination of aluminium, magnesium and calcium salts all of which reduce acidity. Antacids may have peppermint or spearmint flavour added, both of which have historically been used to settle the stomach. Antacids do not alter the volume of hydrochloric acid produced and if used in excess may cause the body to produce more acid.

Sodium bicarbonate solution – an old household remedy – is particularly bad at doing this and should be avoided.

Aluminium containing antacids may produce a constipating action if consumed in excess e.g. aluminium hydroxide. Magnesium containing products may produce a laxative action if consumed in excess e.g. magnesium trisilicate, magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia®). Calcium containing antacids generally rely on the neutralising properties of calcium carbonate (Rennie Rap-Eze® Settlers®. Most commercial products contain a mixture of ingredients. None of the ingredients in antacids are likely to pass into breastmilk as they only act locally to neutralise excess stomach acid.

Simeticone (Dimeticone) is used to relieve flatulence and abdominal discomfort due to wind. It causes bubbles of gas in the gut to coalesce, aiding dispersion of wind. It is often combined with antacids. Brand names: Altacite Plus®, Asilone®, WindSetlers®, Maalox Plus®, Rennie Deflatine®, Remegel Wind Relief®.

Many women are familiar with taking alginates during pregnancy. Alginates form a pH neutral raft on top of the food contents of the stomach in order to prevent regurgitation and heartburn resulting from irritation of the oesophagus. They are poorly absorbed from the gut and can safely be taken during breastfeeding. E.g. Gaviscon®, Gaviscon Advance®.

If your symptoms persist and do not respond to lifestyle changes, antacids or alginates, your GP may suggest other medication. This may be a histamine (H2) receptor antagonist, such as famotidine or nizatidine, or a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole, lansoprazole or pantoprazole. You can use these whilst breastfeeding as they only pass into your milk in small amounts.

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©The Breastfeeding Network. Last full review Sept 2019. Last updated July 2024.