by Debbi Donovan, IBCLC (see more from this expert)

Q

My wife and I are taking our 15 month old on a cruise. My wife still nurses and wants to know if she can take Dramamine or something similar in the event of seasickness.



A

Going on a cruise sounds great! If you're prone to seasickness it is a good idea to be prepared. Seasickness occurs when your inner ear senses movement, while your eyes see stability. It's basically a conflict of the senses.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is considered to be the active ingredient in Dramamine. Dr Thomas Hale, in Medications in Mother's Milk 2000, rates Dramamine in the lactation risk category of L2 or safer. This means, "it has been studied in a limited number of women without an increase in adverse affects in the infant, and/or evidence of a demonstrated risk, which is likely to follow use of the medication in a breastfeeding woman, is remote."

Since your baby is older and most likely taking other foods in addition to breastfeeding, the risk is lower than it would be for an infant. Additionally, the Dramamine will be peaking in your blood and milk about one to two hours after you take it. You can further minimize your baby's exposure by timing the dosing and breastfeeding to avoid breastfeeding during this peak affect.

Of course you will want to check with your doctor about this or any medication, since he or she knows any special circumstances that would apply specifically to you or your baby.

There are non-pharmacological remedies for seasickness:

  • Breathe in fresh air. Spend lots of time out on the deck and not in your cabin.
  • Eat non-greasy foods. It is probably best to eat light meals and to eat more frequently. (Usually not a problem on a cruise!)
  • You can purchase acupressure wristbands that are very helpful for some people that are prone to motion sickness.
  • Ginger capsules are a natural alternative that is helpful to many and can help even once symptoms are in full-force. (Candied ginger or ginger snap cookies are also good to keep on hand.)

    When using Dramamine, keep in mind that it will not be nearly as effective if taken during an episode, than if taken prior to feeling seasick. If you plan on using this medication, it might be a good idea to try a trial dose prior to the trip to make sure you don't experience any negative reaction. It can make you drowsy and you don't want to sleep through your entire cruise.

    Reference:

Hale, T, Medications and Mother's Milk 2000, Pharmasoft Publishing, Amarillo Texas, (2000) 205.