Lemsip etc while breastfeeding

[PutTheKettleOn]

Can I take it? I looked it up online a few days ago and Kellymom says phenylephrine is safe, so i have been drinking Lemsips for my stinking cold. But I just tried to buy some Boots own brand stuff and the cashier saw I had a baby and said it wasn't suitable for BF mothers due to the ibuprofen and decongestant.

So who is right? The Lemsip website says ingredients may be secreted in breastmilk

No ibuprofen in Lemsip, is there? Even if there was, no concern with bf. I suppose there might be in Boots own brand, but again no problem.

Phenylephrine is an unknown - see toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT.

Judgement call for you :)

I think ibuprofen is okay, and it isn't usually in lemsip anyway. I don't think that decongestants are recommended because they "dry up" all bodily fluids including breast milk.

I'd love someone to say otherwise though, I've got a stinking cold as well and would love to take something to help clear my head!

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk-information-and-factsheets.html

this is a really good site, tells you what you can and cant have. look up the coughs and colds sheet, and there is a section on decongestants there.

am suffering myself at the moment, and 16 week old DS is now sniffling and has a runny nose. feel so guilty....

My pharmacist told me not to take Lemsip due to the decongestant.

TBH I found a paracetamol and honey and lemon drink just as effective.

hmm, interesting, I have been taking it and not noticed an affect on supply but maybe I'll try and survive on good old paracetemol for now. Thanks!

i have a cold and the doc said not to take anything but paracetamol when bf. honey and lemon drinks helping lots.