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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

Codeine

16 replies

SirBoobAlot · 10/08/2010 12:31

Have just been prescribed codeine by my GP due to stupid levels of pain (I have ME, so the pain itself is not a concern as such). I trust my GP, and he knows I'm breastfeeding, but having googled (I know, I know...) am seeing mixed opinions, though of course most of it is based on new born infants. DS is nine months but still a bit of a boob monster.

Has anyone else take codeine whilst breastfeeding?

OP posts:

Maria2007loveshersleep · 10/08/2010 12:37

The thing with codeine though is first, it's addictive (actually highly addictive, I found) & second can make you super drowsy & nauseous. I was also prescribed codeine during pregnancy for a lot of pain that I was experiencing. It doesn't hurt foetuses, they reassured me, and I would imagine it's to bf with it (but don't really know). I suppose at worst it would make your DS drowsy (not a bad thing in itself with babies) But beware of the addictive thing, codeine is an opiate after all, I found when I took it during pregnancy for a month, I then had to cut down gradually even after the pain stopped because I felt I needed it. Personally I wouldn't take codeine, I would prefer high doses of nurofen which should normally give you the same effect.

NotQuiteCockney · 10/08/2010 12:41

I get on fine with codeine.

And at 9 months, I wouldn't worry at all.

Original poster

SirBoobAlot · 10/08/2010 12:43

I'm on maximum dose of nurofen and paracetamol and still in agony so I do need something stronger. Am aware of the addictive quality, which again has made me slightly concerned. Not worried about being drowsy - if it will help me sleep that's a plus

OP posts:

Maria2007loveshersleep · 10/08/2010 12:49

I think the addictive quality is real & important & yes, should make you more than slightly concerned. As I said, it's an opiate so not to be considered lightly. There are other things that may work for pain, have you tried them (I'm guessing you must have). I'm not a huge fan of alternative treatments but acupuncture worked a dream for me, completely eliminated my migraines which were a killer. It's worth trying if you find a good practitioner, after all it doesn't involve anything too invasive or dangerous at all.

MumNWLondon · 10/08/2010 13:02

I was given it post partum and it made me very constipated. At 9 months would have thought ok.

fedupwithdeployment · 10/08/2010 13:15

Like MumNW, I had serious constipation problems. And to get that into context I was precribed 3 tablets a day for a week after a minor operation. I took 2 as the pain wasn't that bad, and on day 5 or 6 I suddenly got blocked. I would have rung the Dr if I had managed to leave the loo. I was stuck. And (really sorry, TMI) when the poo finally arrived, it umm blocked the loo.

I have not taken codeine since.

And sorry - no info on breastfeeding. But if you get into my situation, it would be damn difficult to bf!

FlipFantasia · 10/08/2010 13:42

I had codeine after my c-section so fine for BFing. The constipation is definitely a problem (lots of water and bran flakes and the like worked for me).

moaningminniewhingesagain · 10/08/2010 13:43

I had it after my csections and took it for a few weeks - lots at first then less and I got more mobile. DS was a very sleepy poor feeder at first but not sure whether it was connected or not - DD never slept a wink and was on it both times

At 9m I wouldn't worry about it, it is ok for BF just best avoided if possible. But if you are on max ibuprofen and paracetamol then adding an opiate like codeine is the next logical step for pain relief (am nurse)

Icantbelieveitsnotbitter · 10/08/2010 13:58

I had codeine whilst pregnant but, once delivered, had to use diclofenac becase codeine wasn't recommended for a BF mum. I was told it was because it causes constipation in the baby ?

RubyBuckleberry · 10/08/2010 19:44

i was taking codeine and diclofenac simultaneously after my CS. it was prescribed. didn't know about any addictive qualities of the drug and didn't notice when i stopped. they just ran out so i stopped. didn't appear to affect DS (ebf) either.

Maria2007loveshersleep · 10/08/2010 20:01

I know codeine is often prescribed but yes of course it's very addictive. It's an opiate!

Brollyflower · 10/08/2010 23:36

Codeine should not routinely be prescribed, and if it is then it should be the lowest possible dose and the shortest possible duration. More helpful info on painkillers here

ninaandbean · 11/08/2010 13:58

I was prescribed codeine for my pregnancy (SPD pain) and took both oramorph and codeine in hospital with my newborn while BF, prescribed by the doctors there. I felt fine about it then but was told off by a bossy midwife 5 days after discharge because she said maternal codeine use was linked to sudden infant death! Talk about freaking me out! I have no idea if she was right but it scared me so I stopped taking it there and then and made do with diclofenac. However I know that is not a good long term pain relief option, and I was nursing a newborn.

If your doc prescribed it, and was aware of your BF status, I would trust him - and go back to discuss any concerns asap so that you feel more confident. Nice though it is to get feedback online, medically you and your baby are individuals and your prescribed medication will be based on your situation. None of us know enough about that to tell you if it is safe or not, but your GP does :)

You are obviously a sensible concerned parent doing the best for you and your DS by trying to a) manage a difficult and exhausting condition so that you can look after baby well, and b) do it in such a way as to put your baby first. Remember you can't look after DS unless you are looked after first!! If you need pain control, you need it. I know what chronic pain is like and grinning and bearing it is not an option. Codeine is effective, and if it's necessary you shouldn't be afraid to take it.

I hope you feel better soon!!

MigGril · 11/08/2010 17:10

Accourding to my little drug book, from the BfN.

It's 'Generally considered safe in brestfeeding but if baby becomes sedated stop the drug. use for as short a time as possible.'

I think there has been some concern with young babies. www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk-information-and-factsheets

I certainly took it with DD when she was over a year old and had no problems. But it was an occasional doese as use to treat servear migraine pain (and yes I know it's not a good choice of drug for migraines but didn't have much options).

Original poster

SirBoobAlot · 11/08/2010 21:21

Thank you. Have been grinning and bearing for a while now, but it has just got too painful.

Am only going to take them when needed - though my parents were saying last night that they have both had to take it in very high doses before, and didn't have a problem, so have relaxed about the addictive concern slightly.

So far they are helping me to function normally - am still in pain, but not as much.

OP posts:

Valpollicella · 11/08/2010 21:27

SirBoob, would a low dose of Amytryptiline (sp?) be an option?

It's recommended as an alternative to codeine based painkillers when prescibed over a period of time, although I have no idea if compatabile with BF. May be worth investigating....?

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