Sorry if this is long! I have also posted this in health because need some advice. Am I the only person in the fricking universe that BF and has hypertension?!
I have had high BP on and off for years. I had serious high BP during pregnancy - I was on labetalol (betablocker) during latter stages of pregnancy supplemented with nifedipine when my blood pressure became uncontrollable. I am mildly asthmatic.
Methyldopa gave me depression symptoms and Drs took me off.
DS was born prematurely following months of twice weekly monitoring at hospital - he was underweight.
I have exclusively BF since birth - he is now 20 months and we are still going strong. I love BF and don't want to stop - DS is not ready to wean although he obviously eats meals three times a day in addition to breast-milk. He adores feeding and still takes approx 6 - 8 feeds in 24 hours (co-sleeps so feeds during night.)
Anyway, GP and consultant at hospital (following all tests) have concluded I have chronic high blood pressure and need medication. Told them time and time again I am BF. Consultant recommended ACE inhibitor that shouldn't be taken by BF women.
Have been taking Nifedipine for 4 months - want to come off it as horrible side effects that are becoming increasingly intolerable.
Can't take ACE inhibitors as had throat swelling whilst on it years ago, so possibly allergic.
Doctors now want me to try different betablocker (metoprolol) despite reports of worsening asthma symptoms.
Seen 4 different doctors at surgery all who are recommending different things.
I just want a safe(ish) drug to take whilst breastfeeding although I understand I complicate things by being asthmatic and potentially allergic to ACE inhibitors.
Any thoughts or advice (Nope, not gonna stop BFing).