Breastmilk and antibiotics

[mummyjah]

I posted a few days ago when having nightmares trying to BF a now 14-day old DC 4 (first-time struggling mums take heart - even 'old hands' can have difficulties!). Thanks to MN advice (and things like getting a BF professional to come round), things seem to be moving in the right direction (but they are still slow). However, I have just been told that I have an infection and will most likely need to take antibiotics to clear it (what next?!). I am reluctant to take ABs as I feel that breastfeeding is just being established but do need to clear it. What are people's experiences of taking ABs while breastfeeding? Did you express and throw the milk? Did you BF as normal? Really not sure what to do for the best but do need to start the ABs as can feel it getting worse.

You need advice from a specialist pharmacist as to whether the ABs you're offered are safe - many are. If you call the BfN's drugs line they will advise you:

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk.html

There are antibiotics which are perfectly fine while bfing. I had some for mastitis.

Which sort are you being offered? If your gp knows you're feeding, they'll prescribe a bfing friendly ab.

The only problem I've had with antibiotics (once me taking them, once ds taking them) is that we've ended up with awful thrush both times - my nipples and ds's mouth and bottom.

Please do call the helpline- they are very good. I had a horrible dental infection with DS1 and was prescribed some anti-fungal AB. They were not recommended for BF and my dentist just told me to stop BF completely( not very helpful with a 6 week old). The helpline ( and very nice Pharmacist MNetter on here) recommended what I could take and I did. Not a good week for me or the baby, but better than stopping BF when you don't want to.

I've been on three different antibiotics since DD was born... Ciprofloxacin for temperature ? Cause during labour, Metronidazole for c-section wound colonisation/delayed healing and Amoxicillin for mastitis.

Make sure your prescriber is aware that you are bf. You can check for peace of mind at the breast feeding network's website, they have a document specifically about antibiotics.

In my experience, the ciprofloxacin didn't seem to cause any problems, neither did the Amoxicillin, except maybe a few loose nappies... When I was on the Metronidazole I did wonder if DD was fussier than usual and we both developed a mild thrush infection requiring Nystatin drops for DD (oral infection) and cream for me (boobies). Taking acidophilus (?spelling) capsules from health food shop may help this...

If your prescriber feels you needs antibiotics, do take them and you must complete the course. I delayed taking antibiotics for the mastitis and became unnecessarily more unwell and put myself at risk of an abscess... These days you will not be prescribed ABs willy-nilly as once upon a time, but because you need them.

Glad to hear the feeding is going better, hope your infection clears up soon!