Lemsip whilst breastfeeding?

[Pumpkinbumkin200]

I have a cold (mainly runny nose and stuffy head). Can I take Lemsip (currently BF 9 month old but won't see him for about 5 hours after I take it). How long does it have an effect on your milk for?

You can take lemsip with no issues, it's paracetamol which is safe in pregnancy. Just don't take additional paracetamol within 4 hours. Hope you feel better soon!

Oh I thought it dried up your milk a bit!

Yes oral decongestants can dry up your milk, and should be avoided when breastfeeding. Best to stick to paracetamol and ibuprofen, and saline nose spray if needed.

The Breastfeeding Network is your best resource for drugs and breastfeeding information
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/cold-remedies/

@DesignerRecliner you’re misinformed, oral decongestants (as in Lemsip) shouldn’t be taken when breastfeeding

drlact.com/drug/13590/lemsip-in-breastfeeding

There's a difference between affecting the mother and affecting the baby.
Phenylephrine Hydrochloride only crosses over into the breastmilk in very small amounts, so is considered safe for the baby. But there are concerns that it can reduce the milk supply of the mother.

Pharmacist wouldn’t sell me one as I was breastfeeding

When I had a cold I took sudafed and Lemsip and my supply almost dried up in 2 days, had no idea. Took 2 weeks to reestablish. I suspect the sudafed was the main culprit but I wouldn't risk Lemsip as it has a similar ingredient.

I take it you're not a doctor!

Lemsip and other decongestants are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as they dry up milk.

It wouldn't surprise me if they were a Dr, Dr's are notoriously clueless about bf issues. I always checked bf network and kellymom for advice.

I'd say just take paracetamol and a sinex nasal spray for a runny nose. Lasts 12 hours and absorption via the nasal mucosa is minimal.

As most other posters say don't take as it can dry up your milk!

I make a honey and lemon (and add a bit of whiskey before bed as long as not bed sharing) and take paracetamol separately.

Look at the ingredients on the lemsip. Is there pseudoephedrine in it? I think but am not sure that some of those now only have paracetamol as an active ingredient. It used to have pseudoephedrine and paracetamol but I think that’s changed (you have to check, I’m not sure on this) and there’s only particular types that have a decongestant like lemsip max or whatever.
You can’t take it if it has a decongestant like pseudoephedrine, it can affect your supply. If it only has paracetamol, treat it as such, it is safe and won’t affect your supply. Make sure to stay hydrated anyway.

This is not true - you should not consume any decongestants while breastfeeding. Please don't give medical advice when you aren't sure of the correct answer. It isn't worth someone or their baby's health.