Introduction

After pregnancy, many women are faced with unexpected bodily changes including stretch marks, lactation failure, or sore and cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Treating these issues often becomes complicated as many medications can harm the baby in utero or postpartum, through breastfeeding. Compounded medications may the best solution as they can be customized to meet both the mother’s and the baby's needs.

 

Treatment Options

Compounded medications can help treat many issues that may arise during pregnancy as well as post delivery. In regards to stretch marks, although there is no proven way to prevent stretch marks, certain topical products can be prepared to try to improve the elasticity and appearance of the skin. For some women, breastfeeding is not an option. Problems with milk letdown, which is the inability to lactate due to not having enough of the hormone, oxytocin, is a fairly common problem. If this is the case, oxytocin nasal spray can be compounded to facilitate lactation. As a result, you can give your patient the best chance to be able to breastfeed.

 

With breastfeeding comes the possibility of sore and cracked nipples. Special ointments can be compounded to soothe sore and cracked nipples. In addition, if a fungal infection develops, certain topical antifungals can be prepared for the infant and mother. Miconazole oral gel, clotrimazole oral gel, and gentian violet preparations can be applied to the mouth of the infant. Miconazole oral gel and clotrimazole oral gel can also be applied to the mother’s nipple(s).

 

 

 

 

Reviewed: September 22, 2014

Updated: June 10, 2016

Reviewed by: Beth Bolt, RPh

References: Albright, Lisa M. Sore nipples in Breastfeeding mothers: Causes & Treatments. IJPC. Vol 7 No. 6. November/December 2003. 426-35.Williams KD Pharmd. All-Purpose Nipple Ointment: Compounding Solution to Problems-Breastfeeding. IJPC. 2010 Nov/Dec;14(6):484-86Kang et al. Topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) improves early stretch marks.Arch Dermatol. 1996 May;132(5):519-26.Ruis. et al. Oxytocin enhances onset of lactation among mothers delivering prematurely. Br Med J.1981 Aug 1;283:340-2.Stern B. Milk Let-Down—The Use of Intranasal Oxytocin for Nursing Mothers. Calif Med. Sep 1961; 95(3): 168–169.

Source: RxWiki

Managing Editor: Anyssa Garza, PharmD