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Infant feeding

Lemsip ok while breastfeeding?

11 replies

leftangle · 03/10/2009 23:08

Doesn't say on the notes so I assume it's ok but thought I'd see if anyone knew anything differerent before I have one.
Thanks

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OliviaMumsnet · 03/10/2009 23:10

I think it has a decongestant in it that you're not meant to take (sorry if you were looking forward to the 'drugs"!)

Boots do one that is just hot lemon, vit c and paracetamol
Called something imaginative like Hot lemon cold relief

Hope you feel better
I really must go to bed

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BertieBotts · 03/10/2009 23:17

How old is your LO? Does he/she feed during the night usually? Do you co-sleep?

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Babieseverywhere · 03/10/2009 23:18

Yes, lemonsip is fine whilst breastfeeding. If in doubt about drugs whilst breastfeeding there are a couple of good sites to check.

Breastfeeding Network being the one I can remember atm.

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Alibabaandthe40nappies · 03/10/2009 23:21

It is ok from the point of view that it won't harm your baby, but the decongestant is designed to dry up excess fluids - which it will do, including your breastmilk!

Best to stick to some hot lemon with a paracetamol.

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LatinDAISYcal · 03/10/2009 23:25

babies, that link says that pseudoephrine, which I believe is the decongestant in lemsip and other cold powder remedies, is best avoided as it can reduce prolactin levels.

I'd second the Boots own brand one; they do it in blackcurrant as well which tastes much nicer, especially if loaded up with a good slug of ribena as well.

I know that a lot of people say just take the paracetomol, but there is something comforting about a hot lemon drink. If you are worried you can try making your own with soluble paracetomol, cordial, honey and cloves.

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HalloweenIsSofaKingScary · 04/10/2009 09:06

You can use nasal sprays with decongestants as they act locally and don't get into your system.

I stupidly took pseudoephedrine on Thursday night without thinking as was feeling so rough. Luckily it didn't appear to affect my supply, although I worried about it all night.

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leftangle · 04/10/2009 10:14

Damm - could really use one this morning - think I'd better do a trip to boots.
Thanks everyone

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Babieseverywhere · 04/10/2009 11:35

That is interesting Daisy.

When I posted that link on here, I didn't open or read it. As I have used the link before and the original version said that Lemsip was fine to use whilst breastfeeding but this new version is different, I wonder why they changed it ?

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WoTmania · 04/10/2009 12:08

Most lemsip type cold medicines have stopped using pseudoephedrine. They use a different decongestant that apparently isn't a problem.
I suppose it really depends on your milk supply and how established it is.
I recently took one in the evening for about 3 evenings so I could get to sleep rather than lying there all streamy for hours. DD was around 5/6 months and seemed fine. However I tend to the oversuppy side and just fed her more.

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LatinDAISYcal · 04/10/2009 20:31

babies, they have recently reissued a lot of their drugs leaflets, I suppose to reflect updated information.

Wotmania they use phenylephrine and although that and pseudoephedrine are safe for the baby, according to kellymom they can both affect supply. Lactmed says that pseudoephedrine can affect supply with a single dose, and thatphenylephrine is best avoided.

I suppose it comes down to how good your supply is, how long you are going to use it for and how rotten you feel; a one off is unlikely to have a major effect, but using it at the maximum doseage for three or four days might.

I tend to err on the side of caution and have a hot honey and lemon drink with a couple of paracetomol on the side if I haven't got any of the Boots ones.

I hope you're feeling better leftangle

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Babieseverywhere · 04/10/2009 22:49

Thanks Daisy Good to know I am not misremembering things.

I had better re-read the other leaflets and see what other changes they have made, before I link to any more of them.

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