Wegovy and breastfeeding (please read the post before commenting that it’s not recommended… because it has been in this case)

I’ve been advised to start Wegovy by my GP and even though I’m still breastfeeding my 14 month old. I have health conditions that my current weight is making worse and despite all efforts so far (calorie deficit and exercise) nothing has worked. My GP advised that it is safe because it is injected and not ingested. The little research they have shows that no real trace of the medication has been found in breastmilk however due to it being unethical to test on breastfeeders, they don’t usually recommend breastfeeders using it.

I got a second opinion from a private GP who agreed with my NHS GP.

They believe that the benefits outweigh any potential risk. And as long as I keep an eye on my child for any changes, then it should be fine. But doesn’t believe that it will have a negative affect on them at all due to the molecule size.

I’ve had my brother (who is a scientist by trade and holds two degrees in science and a masters in biology) look over the research and analyse it for me. He agrees with the GP regarding the molecule size meaning it’s too big to pass into breastmilk. He believes that it should be safe for me to take whilst still breastfeeding based on the research for Semaglutide (Wegovy).

Now, I’m not asking for opinions on whether I should or shouldn’t, I will make an informed choice based on science and research and, hopefully, others lived experiences of this.
So please be respectful and keep those to yourself.

Has anyone taken Wegovy whilst breastfeeding? If so, what were your experiences? Did it work? Was the child ok?

I don’t care if it was prescribed or whether you chose to take it without medical opinion/direction. That’s your business.

I just need help making a real informed decision and can’t seem to find much online from real people.

Read more on Peanut

The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.

Learn more about our guidelines.

Add a comment

No experience but was in a similar situation where I needed to make a decision to take some serious medication while pregnant and while breastfeeding

I would trust my motherly instincts despite what doctor’s family scientist may say ( remember when scientists said animals always had Covid but was never able to pass it to humans till now ) doctors and scientists don’t always get things right .

is the risk of you taking the medicine and possibly passing it to baby more harmful then the risk of not taking it at all?

I personally would ask the drs and scientists what happens to baby if it was to pass to baby and it enters its bloodstream ; what would happen to baby?what are the signs that it has been passed and what could you do if you do notice if it was passed along to baby .

What happens to you if you don’t take it ? What happens to baby if you don’t take it ?

I think if they are recommending you taking it and you are still that worried about it being passed through breast milk, then just stop breast feeding? Your child is 14 months old and does not need your breast milk to survive. They should be eating regular meals and can now have normal cows milk? Breast is not best if it is affecting your or your baby's health x

I would agree that it's not likely to affect your toddler too much. Many diabetic nursing moms take insulin and that's essentially what Wegovy is

I haven’t. But I would personally. I’m on Zepbound and wild horses couldn’t drag me off it 🤣

I definitely agree that it’s not likely passed to breastmilk. Since baby is old enough to technically be off breastmilk, I don’t see the issue because the biggest issue is that if you’re eating less your supply may drop. If it does, it’s not like you’re going to have to worry about switching to formula.

in our community

Can someone pls help i keep making this post and nobody is responding

My boyfriend booked a trip for us to go to mexico for a week as my push present. I have severe anxiety leaving my 7 month old with my mom. I know she will be in good hands but she’s exclusively breast fed for the most part but accepts bottles just fine. i have all my pumping parts packed and will pump when baby normally eats but i don’t want baby to forget me or have latch issues when i return!! any mommas ever experience this?

Postpartum

I’m only 3 days postpartum (FTM) and already have extremely bad anxiety. I’m crying every night, as I think of another night of no sleep. My baby will not settle in his cot, he cries every moment we put him down unless in his chair rocker. So me and my partner are having to alternate after 3/4 hours of being awake with him downstairs. I’m trying everything to get him to settle. It’s a load of overwhelming stress. I’m 23, I was desperate for a baby and now I have one and feel completely useless. I miss it just being me and my partner.

When does it get better?

I was crying on the phone with the perinatal mental health team today and the lovely lady, bless her, kept assuring me that it gets better. I kept telling her I hope so because people have been saying that since having my LO and it just feels like it keeps getting worse. She assured me it gets better....

Night time routine

Heya, my 3 week old daughter is currently exclusively breastfed and I’m not pumping. Can anyone recommend the best way to share the load with my partner? At the moment I’m doing all the feeds/burbs/settling and my partner is sleeping through which obviously isn’t sustainable, I’m trying to work out the best way to get him involved. Any advice very much appreciated!

Rapid cool/ hot shot method

Sorry if this sound stupid but how are we doing the hot shot method?
Are we boiling the kettle and letting it cool a little before adding to hot flask? Then with the cool water do you boil the kettle and leave it to cool right down before putting into another flask?
My baby brain is fried trying to work out the easiest way!

Rant/WWYD

My sister (youngest, 24) has two kids, 4 & 1, and i (oldest, 30) just have my one who’s 6mo old right now, so i ask her for advice or call her to vent about things sometimes. Well im tired of her turning around and telling my other family members that I’m “losing my sh*t.” Literally have not lost my sh*t nor have i ever freaked out to her about my baby, i just call her to talk and tell her what stage my baby is in or talk through how im feeling, but she chooses to tell people that im like a complete nutcase or something which worries me that my family is going to start being judgmental about me as a mother or looking at me funny like I’m some fragile ticking time bomb.

What would you do in this situation? I’m already pretty much decided that I’ll stop telling her anything about my struggles, but I’m almost at the point where i feel like it should be confronted because she, of all people, should understand what I’m going through.