Painkillers for after pains whilst Breastfeeding

[DairyNips]

Am due to have dc3 in a few weeks. I remember after I had ds2 I had some after pains. They were moderately bad and I just took paracetamol. However, I've heard they get worse each time so I was wondering what I can take whilst breastfeedig if paracetamol doesn't cut the mustard this time?

I had after pains after DS (apparently you can't get them with a first child but I strongly disagree) I also had an infection in my episiotomy stitches and was in more pain than when I was in labour.

Every time DH phoned the out of hours GP they told him I should take paracetamol but personally I don't find it even helps a mild headache. After several days of agony I suddenly remembered one of the midwives had mentioned codeine could be taken while breastfeeding.

I was eventually prescribed this and although it by no means took the pain away completely it definitely took the edge off considerably. It made me a bit giggly but by that point I didn't care!

Good luck with your pregnancy and labour. Hopefully you won't need pain relief afterwards but do push for it if you do, if I wasn't so stubborn the pain could easily have been a reason to give up breastfeeding which wasn't going that well anyway. There's no point being in agony if something can help.

Sorry that turned into a bit of an essay. The short version is you can take codeine while breastfeeding!

Ah thanks NiceCup I disnt notice after pains with ds1 but I was on painkillers for my 3rd degree tear so who knows!

I have some codiene left from sinusitis so I'll pack them just in case..

DD is 7weeks old and EBF. I was told I could alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen. I took them 2 hours apart and this worked for me.

Breastfeeding Network leaflet on analgesia and breastfeeding:

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/Analgesia_and_Breastfeeding_March_2010.pdf

I had a cs and bf ds. I had one dose of morphine the night I had him and codiene and voltarol.all were fine for bfing.

When I had DD (DC3) I was told to alternate paracetomol and nurofen. I had a bad tear and was also given dihydrocodeine for if the pain got too bad from my tear. All of that was fine for bfing.