Just bf 6month old at night?

[Gavlarrr]

My DD is 4 months and EBF. At 6 months when I start to wean her, will I be able to introduce formula feeds in the day alongside her proper food, and just bf at night? The thought of stopping bf really upsets me but I suffer with acne and cannot take antibiotics for this while bf, so need to stop earlier than wanted. Bf's going really well, I bf to sleep at night but DD self settles in the day in pram or on sofa

[lolalotta]

Is the acne really very bad or could you postpone the antibiotics?

[Woodenheart]

I still BF at night, & DD (17 months) had formula in the day at the childminders when she was younger, she now has cows milk when there.

They could find you a suitable antibiotic I'm sure,

Because I've had 2 lots for mastitis and 1 lot for a urine infection and my Doctor went through her BNF book for ages in front of me until she could find one suitable to take whilst BF.

[stargirl1701]

There is a helpline for bf mums to find appropriate meds so they can continue to bf.

[stargirl1701]

Found it. Call this number:

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/

[leedy]

Second the BFN hotline, they're super helpful.

Also have a very good factsheet with general info on BF and antibiotics:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/antibiotics_and_Breastfeeding_oct_2013-%20wj.pdf

It does say long courses of tetracyclines (eg for acne) are not advised due to possible effect on teeth, but I'm sure the helpline will help you find alternatives.

(I have also been on LOADS of antibiotics while BF as my immune system tanks when pregnant and my asthma flares up, neither of which seems to resolve until about 9 months PP so I have had about a zillion chest infections while feeding. My GP used the BFN info several times to sort out meds for me.)

[Gavlarrr]

Acne isn't too bad but it really effects my self esteem and breastfeeding has made me flare up abit more. Doctor recommended Roccutane or something like that, which is unsuitable whole breastfeeding. I don't want to give up, but I have a big family wedding next year and would like my skin to be clear. I'm not being completely shallow here, the acne is something I've put up with since I was 15 and now it's unbearable

[tomatoplantproject]

I did exactly this - introduced formula in the day from 6mo and kept bf for the evening feed until dd was 1. It worked really well for us. Good luck!

[hollie84]

Roaccutane is a very scary drug and I would think you wouldn't be able to breastfeed at all on it. I'd do some research as it has a lot of serious side effects.

[Gavlarrr]

Hollie... Have you tried it? Ive tried every cream on the market, have antibiotic cream for existing spots, and have quite bad scars too. Have heard Roccutane has done bad side effects but not sure what else to try? Aren't there contraceptives that can help acne?! Again not sure if can be taken when bf.
I think I will start with one formula bottles day, hoping she'll take a bottle! She's fine with a dummy fingers crossed also fingers crossed for my skin!!

[Woodenheart]

The meds will still affect the BF at night, though

Could you be referred to a dermatologist at the hospital OP so they will be specialised in this field.

[hollie84]

You would have to take contraceptives as well if you are on roaccutane, as you absolutely mustn't get pregnant on it. I haven't taken it but have a friend who has.

[leedy]

Yes, it's very very dangerous in pregnancy (a friend of mine had to fight to not have to go on contraceptives with it, despite arguing that she was unlikely to get accidentally pregnant due to being a lesbian), Lactmed says they don't have sufficient info about it in BF but does say other drugs should be used instead. It did clear up my friend's acne, mind, though also gave her very dry/sensitive skin and eyes.

Def talk to the BFN people, they can probably point you at what you can take/use given the age of your baby, etc., and then you can weigh up all your options.

[Gavlarrr]

If I could get my doctor to refer me tia dermatologist would this be free? Also what could a dermatologist do?
I'm not planning on starting the anti biotics until completely stopped bf, which after introducing bottles hoping to finish by the time she is 9mo-12mo? I don't want to but I'm thinking of my skin. The wedding is in May and still don't think that They will even have time to work, maybe a dermatologist should be tried first