Q My joints hurt so much that I rely on patches and anti-inflammatory painkillers at home. Is this okay for postpartum wind?
A Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce pain in the short term, but during breastfeeding the choice and dosage require caution. If symptoms are severe, it is safer to tell your Korean medicine doctor which prescription drugs you are taking and discuss whether to use them together.
Detailed Answer
Some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkillers have components that are relatively safe during breastfeeding (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen), but depending on the type and duration of use, they can affect the nursing infant, so caution is needed. Topical patches are relatively safe, but it is best to check the application area and ingredients. The longer you use them, the more symptoms are managed, but you should recognize that the root cause, qi-and-blood deficiency, remains unchanged.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
While anti-inflammatory painkillers temporarily suppress the pain, a Korean medicine clinic also addresses the root cause of qi-and-blood deficiency. The two do not conflict, so in the early stage when pain is severe they can be used together, and as the body recovers, the approach naturally reduces reliance on painkillers. Please be sure to tell us all medications you are taking during the consultation.
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