Antibiotics affecting baby, should I bottle feed for 24 hours?

[Ouchdownthere]

Hello everyone, my first post having lurked for a long time and am hoping your wise words can help.

Am posting in a bit of an emotional state as don't know what to do for next feed.

Have been takin metronidazole for ten days now (400mg three times a day) for episiotomy infection. Was originally given 7 day dose by dr but had to revisit hospital for more stitching and they prescribed another week. In theory this antibiotic shouldn't affect LO but my LO seems to be having real tummy pain straight after feeding and increasing explosions in his nappy.

I called the dr and he said it's possible could be causing pain so to stop the antibiotic if I think I am healing. I hate seeing my LO in pain so am considering feeding forumula for 24 hours. For other reasons LO had bottle for first few days and formula until my milk came in. Have been EBF for last 12 days.

I'm trying to weigh up pros and cons of relieving his suspected pain and potentially losing breastfeeding long term for him.

Has anyone any similar experience?

Thanks in advance.

For advice from a breastfeeding counsellor who is also a pharmacist contact the Breastfeeding Network's Drugs in Breastmilk helpline. They will be able to give information tailored to your exact situation.

I hope you heal up soon and feel better.

Oh, should add if you do stop bfing and wish to carry on after stopping the medication, you would need to express at least 8 times a day (from both breasts) to maintain supply.

I was stuck in hospital on IV antibiotics and DD totally refused the breast (probably due to the smell/taste difference). She had milk from the freezer stash and I pumped like a maniac and chucked the milk. I actually had over supply for a few days when I went back to feeding her direct again (those hospital pumps are the business).

sorry I also meant to say beware of false correlations! I was all but certain that DD was reacting to the anti-biotics (I had four courses all in all) but the pain continued after the 3rd course stopped and nothing happened at all with the 4th (which was the longest and most powerful). So I think in reality she was just going through a bad stomach phase.

Thanks both truthsweet and entropygirl for the good advice. Weighing up the pros and cons I decided to stick with breast and he does seem calmer today so hopefully I had just made a false correllation and just or of those things. Thanks again, the advice really helped.