I am bf & have lurgy... what can I have?

[sleepdodger]

I have aquired a delightful headcold from a smallie, but as a new ma and ebf I'm not sure, other than paracetamol, what I can take?
I was thinking sudafed or lemsipmax tablets the cheap sainsburys version but in a faux pas of tidying I have only the tablet blisters and not the boxes to check if ok when bf... anyone taken either, or recommend something else?

[crikeybadger]

Here's the BfN leaflet about medecines whilst bfing.

It seems Sudafed might be dubious, but you could ring the helpline for more info.

Hope you feel bettter soon.

[WoTmania]

Seconding looking up on BfN .
The roblem with a lot of decongestants is htta they work by drying up bodily fluids and breastmilk is a bodily fluid. there are newer products available now that have less of an impact but you need to look into it. All of them say not to take while BF though as they can't do the testing

[organiccarrotcake]

Sudafed and any other decongestant is a real risk as wot said. My understanding from the bfn drugs helpline is that it can permanently reduce milk supply - not just temporarily. So it depends on your situation but if your milk supply being hit will be a problem, they're best avoided.

Have you considered menthol crystals? They're really cheap (from pharmacy) and you dissolve them in hot water and inhale the steam (over a sink say) to clear the airways. Or Vicks, or Olbas Oil type things?

[PenguinArmy]

Wait until your BF and pg and then get ill It will be great. Hope you feel better soon, no decongestants is horrible.

[sleepdodger]

Thanks all I contacted them and they did indeed say nope to sudafed, basically roughing it out aided with paracetamol & steam nice!

[DuelingFanjo]

oh bugger, can someone explain how these can effect milk supply? I took Sudafed for a day as I was really rough. DS seems ok, my breasts seem ok but should I be watching for any signs?

[PenguinArmy]

If it seems OK then it is probably is. I guess usual signs of output and it was only a day and your body I presume can recover from any blips