can you not take lemsip/sudafed etc when breastfeeding? any alternatives?

[yummytummy]

hiya. got a really nasty cold, really congested and headachey. asked for lemsip but when told pharmacist i was breastfeeding they wouldnt sell it? something about phenylephrine?

dd is 7 months and feeds about 4-5 times a day along with 2 meals of solids.

does anyone know what the effects of phenylephrine are and why it isnt allowed?

if not then am i just stuck with honey/lemon and paracetamol?
any other unbunging medicines around?

man i miss lemsip and ibuprofen!!

damn i had lemsip last night - watching with interest

Sorry none that I found, just Paracetamol, ibuprofen and olbas oil. Think phenylephrine causes milk to dry up but not sure!

Hope you feel better soon

It's a decongestant which drys up body fluids including milk. Don't panic if you've taken some just don't take anymore.

You can take ibuprofen while BF though so go ahead. I always like a good honey and lemon.

You can take it but like MigGril says - it can affect milk supply.

Look up the BfN sites stuff on it.

FWIW I take it when really ill with colds but usually in the evening so I can actually get to sleep. Depends how abundant your supply is and how desperate you are

Yes what Mig said.

Stick with paracetamol, ibuprofen also fine, hot honey & lemon, chicken soup and as many soothers as you can buy! And get some vicks or olbas oil too.

I always take calpol when I feel poorly The six plus one is four spoonfuls for an adult dose. This is mainly because when I feel crappy tablets make me heave but also the taste reminds me of childhood and is quite soothing!

Try steaming your face - that can really help.

there are some lemsip type drinks you can still use - some of the cheaper own brand ones don't have the decongestant, just paracetamol and vitamin C

hope you're feeling better soon :)

thanks for all the advice and well wishes! definitely will avoid then as dont want milk to dry up. still cant believe have been able to feed for so long, its great! looks like its honey and lemon for me then.

I find Vick's vapour-rub the best thing at night and olbas pastilles during the day. Not going to cause your DP to feel romantic but guess you're not feeling amorous anyway . Hope you feel better soon.