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Infant feeding

Can i breastfeed now

54 replies

Tattybogle89 · 02/12/2017 23:18

Just given birth. Traumatic and very emotional. Wishing I had tried to breastfeed.
Have bottle fed a few days. Milks not in but coming.i don’t know if I can
I have fibrocystic breasts. So sore hard and lumpy before pregnancy anyway.

I’m on blood thinning jags to stop blood clots after delivery.
And tramadol
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Antibiotics
Laxatives

Probably not safe to try now with that in my system. I won’t ask midwives because I feel stupid but if anyone can advise
☹️

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TotemIcePole · 02/12/2017 23:22

The midwifes should be able to offer good advice, Im sure they will listen to you.

I hope you feel better soon, & dont be hard on yourself. You are going through a lot at the moment, it will all work out o.k Flowers

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StealthPolarBear · 02/12/2017 23:23

Congratulations on your baby :o
Ask your midwife. It sounds far from a stupid question, and even if it is, that's part of her job.
How are you doing?

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RedastheRose · 02/12/2017 23:26

Ask the midwives it's not a silly question, they will be able to tell you whether they would advise you not to feed for any reason. If they think it's ok why not give it a try.

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outputgap · 02/12/2017 23:28

Are the midwives unsympathetic? Any nice ones you can ask?

But in principle, yes, yes, yes. My first baby didn't get any breast milk until day 5 because my milk took so long. I had to give her formula to start.

On the drugs, I can tell you that:
paracetamol is fine
Blood thinning injections are fine (I injected clexane or heparin after births for weeks)
Most antibiotics will be fine.

Not sure myself about the others but generally just about everything is fine, but do please ask the midwives. You deserve support to do this very reasonable and normal thing.

I have the most cysty breasts the breast sonographer had ever seen. Have breastfed 3 babies for a long time. So don't let those lumpy boobs put you off!

Congratulations!

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TotemIcePole · 02/12/2017 23:28

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/information-about-breastfeeding/

The breastfeeding helpline opens at 09.30 tomorrow. I have phoned them before, they are great.

You may be able to go on different meds, if you tell the midwife you want to breastfeed. They can get it all sorted for you.

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PragmaticWench · 02/12/2017 23:30

The BEST advice will be from the Drugs In Breastmilk helpline. They can give you definitive answers for your particular drug combination.

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

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outputgap · 02/12/2017 23:30

Breastfeeding helpline is amazing, as is La Leche League.

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PragmaticWench · 02/12/2017 23:30

Cross post! I've called them and they were so helpful.

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PragmaticWench · 02/12/2017 23:31

After seeking advice for the medications side of things, there shouldn't be a physical reason not to breastfeed, but you might need to ask for some support.

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Waddlelikeapenguin · 02/12/2017 23:33

Breastfeeding helpline is amazing, as is La Leche League
This. Also ask midwife for help!
Congratulations on your baby Flowers

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Chaosofcalm · 02/12/2017 23:35

When I had some early issue bf ( I only managed to week 6) a lovely maternity assistant told me that women is some cultures don’t breast until their milk comes in. It is their norm and they successful feed.

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redcaryellowcar · 02/12/2017 23:39

Breastfeeding network will have good info as possible have said, I think if you want to stimulate milk coming in, the best way to do this is feed your baby, you could try expressing, even with very little output, as it will mimic the ‘demand’ for milk. La leche phone helpline would be able to advise.

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Tattybogle89 · 02/12/2017 23:42

Thank you

I don’t know I’m really not good tonight I’m just home and can’t stop crying over everything. I just feel violated and sad and so sore and just hit with a wave of emotion when baby is trying to nurse on my shoulder and I’m shoving a bottle in
I don’t even know where this has come from

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Merida83 · 02/12/2017 23:42

Cant remember rest if your list but you definitely cannot breastfeed on tramadol (or codeine It turns out). I'm on it and couldn't breast cos of it.

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Tattybogle89 · 02/12/2017 23:44

I Keep reliving things really quick in my head and feeling it all again ☹️

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Tattybogle89 · 02/12/2017 23:45

Ok I didn’t think so I don’t know how log these things even in my system just had urge to put baby on breast with no clue what I am doing but I will get over it I’m sure x

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TotemIcePole · 02/12/2017 23:45

This is normal, you will feel like this, its hormonal plus aftershock of trauma.

You will get through it.

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StealthPolarBear · 02/12/2017 23:46

Please see your doctor or health visitor on Monday, it sounds like you could do with talking to someone. You've been through an awful time you poor thing :( it will get better x

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TotemIcePole · 02/12/2017 23:47

Ring your callbell & ask if they can review your meds for BF.

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StealthPolarBear · 02/12/2017 23:48

Op do you have family support? Other half? Parents?

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WorzelsCornyBrows · 02/12/2017 23:51

Oh you poor love. You sound like I felt after my first. It's all so overwhelming and birth isn't a lovely memory for everyone. Speak to a midwife about it. I was on all sorts of painkillers and I was ok to breastfeed. I firmly believe that it's not the end of the world if you can't.

Congratulations and well done.

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EEandEmakes3 · 03/12/2017 00:02

Hi, I gave birth 4 weeks ago I was on the following:
Dhydrocodeine
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Clexane
Antibiotics (at time of C section)
Lactulose

I was encouraged to breastfeed when I was taking these. Just to put your mind at rest, I felt terrible when my milk came in, they say it coincides with the baby blues. That might explain why you don't feel too great.

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Tattybogle89 · 03/12/2017 00:56

Yeah I have support great but it was my experience not theres. Just went from perfect to crap so unexpected kinda hit me since I came home xx

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redcaryellowcar · 03/12/2017 06:25

I think the ‘perfect to crap’ feeling, sadly, is quite normal, but I totally agree, book an emergency appointment with your gp or health visitor on Monday. Ask them about your medication and if breastfeeding lines open today (I’m sure some are, not sure which ones) then call them for advice on meds and also reestablishing breastfeeding. It’s completely possible, you just need good advice, time and encouragement.
Obviously not whilst you are terribly tired, but have you tried baby naked except for nappy snuggled on your chest, skin to skin, it’s a lovely bonding time. Baby will enjoy listening to your heartbeat. You can pop a blanket over both of you.

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TotemIcePole · 03/12/2017 07:04

Sorry,.I thought you were still in hospital.

Ring the helpline at 09.30 today, you can probably start trying today.

Best of luck with everything & things will improve.

I never thought it would at the time, it does Flowers

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