Can You Take GLP-1 While Breastfeeding? Doctor’s Guide

GLP-1 medications have become one of the most popular options today for fast weight loss. It is only natural that women consider them as a resort to shed their post-pregnancy weight. However, not all medications are safe during the lactating period, leading women to wonder if you can take GLP-1 while breastfeeding.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists are medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. They mimic GLP-1, a natural hormone produced in the small intestine that helps in reducing blood sugar and appetite. It triggers insulin release from the pancreas and blocks glucagon secretion. It also signals the brain about appetite and satiety. 

GLP-1 mostly comes in injectable liquid form, which is injected into the patient’s body using a syringe and needle. It is generally prescribed to individuals above the age of 18 with a BMI over 30, after careful examination of the patient’s medical history.

Some of the commonly prescribed GLP-1 medications are:

• Semaglutide
• Tirzepatide
• Dulaglutide
• Liraglutide
• Exenatide

Is It Safe To Take GLP-1 While Breastfeeding?

New mothers who want to lose weight faster or who were already on medication before conceiving may want to use GLP-1 medications to lose weight easily and more quickly.

However, GLP-1 medications are taken with extreme caution and are generally not prescribed to individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Neither manufacturers nor physicians recommend GLP-1 to women in the maternity cycle due to safety concerns. 

Currently, there is very limited information available regarding the side effects these medications can cause during the maternity period. By following the ethical guidelines so as not to perform clinical trials on women during this period, strong human data is currently limited to establish that these medications are safe while breastfeeding. In fact, for those who are already on GLP-1 medication, doctors recommend stopping it at least 2 months before trying to conceive.

Do GLP-1 Drugs Pass Into Breast Milk?

The main concern for taking certain medications while breastfeeding is whether they pass into human breast milk. While there is no scientific evidence proving that the GLP-1 medications pass into breast milk, it is also not guaranteed that they don’t.

There is also no information available on whether the breastfed baby will suffer from any side effects. But GLP-1 medications are generally prescribed to adults and not intended for infants. The uncertainty regarding the safety of these agonists also does not clarify the potential harm they can cause the infant.

According to a study conducted in recent years using semaglutide, it was found that the medicine was present in an insignificant amount in the milk samples within 24 hours. However, the long-term outcome remains uncertain.

This uncertainty is the reason why neither physicians nor manufacturers recommend taking the GLP-1 medications while breastfeeding. When safety is not guaranteed, it is wise to be cautious and not take any risks.

Possible Risks For Breastfeeding Mothers And Babies

GLP-1 medications are prescribed only after analyzing the medical history of the patient. Even after passing all the criteria, some may experience mild and common side effects. Therefore, it is possible that these medications can affect breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Breastfeeding is an important phase in an infant’s growth and development. Because your baby receives all the nutrition required for their growth through your breast milk. The food you eat and the medicine you take will have a direct impact on your baby.

Even if GLP-1 is safe to take and has no side effects, the weight loss happens through reducing appetite. If you don’t eat enough, it will affect your body and your milk supply, and the nutrition for your baby.

Why Some Women Consider GLP-1 After Pregnancy?

There are various reasons why women consider GLP-1 after pregnancy. One common reason is the pressure to regain the pre-pregnancy body. This can lead to mental struggles during postpartum. While some women may be struggling with conditions like diabetes or PCOS and want to go back to their GLP-1 medication.

It is common for new mothers suffering from obesity to struggle with delayed milk production and may be considering GLP-1 as a quicker remedy to lose weight.

Safer Alternatives for Weight Management While Breastfeeding

Wait until you have finished your breastfeeding journey. Until then, you can practice these safer alternatives for weight management while breastfeeding.

Focus on Nutrition

Prioritize nutritional food intake and stay hydrated with water and unsweetened drinks.

Gentle exercise

Start with light activities such as walking and postnatal yoga.

Alternate Medicines

Consult your physician to prescribe alternative options, such as metformin, that are considered safe during breastfeeding.

When To Talk To Your Doctor?

GLP-1 medications are prescription-only medications and should never be taken without consultation. It is important to discuss:

• If you are struggling with weight gain and want to lose weight more quickly with GLP-1.
• If you were on GLP-1 medication before pregnancy and want to restart it.
• If you are taking birth control, GLP-1 medications may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
• A plan for monitoring your milk supply and your baby’s weight gain.

Conclusion

GLP-1 medications were initially developed and approved to treat type 2 diabetes. But today, it has become more popular for helping with weight loss. It is generally not prescribed for breastfeeding mothers due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting its safety. It is recommended to follow the safer alternatives and prioritize maternal and infant health over quick weight loss.

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