Sudafed & breast feeding

[Skillbo]

I have a recurring problem with a tube in my ear which my GP has prescribed me sudafed for (no longer available OTC) with the active ingredient pseudoephidrine in it.

I still bf my DS although only 3/4 times a day - normally morning, late afternoon and before bed. For some reason, this didn't even occur to me when at my appointment or when collecting the prescription so have consulted Dr Google who says it is safe except it may reduce the amount of milk produced. As i only feed DS a few times a day, am worried this could have an effect although the course is only for 8 days

I know i should probably phone NHS direct but wondered if any of you wise MNetters had ever been in a similar situation?

I can live with my ear i suppose but it means my hearing is quite effected! DS is 1 now so i could stop and give him regular milk but know this isn't an option for me really.

From KellyMom though I expect you've read it already.

Decongestants

Both pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are generally considered to be safe for the breastfed baby, but pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply.

Pseudoephedrine & milk supply: Thomas Hale Ph. D., a renowned breastfeeding pharmacologist (Breastfeeding Pharmacology), notes that ?breastfeeding mothers with poor or marginal milk production should be exceedingly cautious in using pseudoephedrine? and that ?it is apparent that mothers in late-stage lactation may be more sensitive to pseudoephedrine and have greater loss in milk production? (Medications and Mother?s Milk, 2012 edition).

Dr. Hale is referring to this study: Aljazaf K, et. al. Pseudoephedrine: effects on milk production in women and estimation of infant exposure via breastmilk. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Jul;56(1):18-24.

If you do take pseudoephedrine and notice a drop in milk supply (many moms do not, but research shows that it can decrease milk supply by as much as 24%), simply stop the medication and take measures to increase milk supply ? the problem should resolve fairly quickly.

Be very cautious about taking pseudoephedrine on a regular basis, as it has the potential to permanently decrease your milk supply. Regular use of pseudoephedrine (120 mg/day) has occasionally been used to decrease milk production in moms with overproduction, where the usual methods to regulate milk production were not working.

I'd suggest trying it but at the same time try to up your intake of oats (good for production), eat porridge, flapjack, hobnobs etc to try to combat the side effects.

I notice in the link it suggests that people who have been feeding longer may suffer MORE of an effect however, conversly your supply is fairly robust by now so although it may dip a fair bit during the 8 days so long as you keep feeding during that time you should be able to boost your supply back up again pretty readily once oyu have finished taking the drugs.

Right - porridge & hobnobs it is. DS with his dad tonight though but will encourage him to dive in for the rest of the week...

and, yes, it was that 'late lactaction' comment which got me a bit worried!

I'd maybe try giving someone from the LA Leche League a ring to talk it through, they may have more tips. If you need the drugs and there isn't any harm to the baby then it is most likely best to take the course of medication but you can still safeguard the continuation of breast feeding while doing so :).