breastfeeding and medication

[hamsterlover]

Hi, just after a bit of advice. I have a 13 month old that I am feeding morning and evening. Had to be admitted to hospital last night (quinsy - ouch!). He has been fine, had a cup of milk with Daddy at bedtime and then went straight down and okay again this morning. I fed my oldest son til he was 15 1/2 months when he self weaned. I want to continue feeding the 13 month old but not sure how the drugs will affect this. Have been given high dose streoids and 2 different high dose antibiotics. May need a general anaesthetic too. Obviously feeding him just at the moment is out of the question but likely that I will be home whilst still have some of this in system plus will probably have antibiotics and steriods to take at home too. Does anyone know if I will be able to feed. I hope so, cos I want to go til 18 months/2. TIA especially as it has turned in to an epic post!

Have you asked any of the doctors?

Tried to speak to them last night but went down the just get me better root than worryng about bf root, which was the right option for me but gives me an inkling that it could cause problems! Nurse suggested I speak to the pharmacist later.

The breastfeeding network are the people to advise you on this. Here's some information about various drugs
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk-information-and-factsheets

And you can phone the helpline for specifics on your medication
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-in-breastmilk.html

Ah thats fab thankyou - will speak to them later when I know more whats happening with me.

OP - here's a drug fact sheet from the breastfeeding network that noblegiraffe posted about bf and antibiotics
If the antibiotic you're taking is not listed, send an email to the BfN (as noblegiraffe posted) ASAP. The reason I'm saying this is that my recent experience of doctors (both GPs and hospital consultants and surgeons) is that they won't have good knowledge of bf and medication latest info, and will probably tell you you can't breastfeed on most drugs, which isn't true. I'm not saying this as a criticism of doctors, obviously they can't know everything, but my recent experience has been that generally, knowledge is v poor around medication and bf. BfN are excellent.

More great advice thanks. Am being given 3 intravenous antibiotics plus steroids. Will find out the name of all of them and send an e-mail. Read the general medication fact sheet and it seems like a lot of drugs are actually safe so fingers crossed! Just know that as soon as he sees me he will want his milky (his mummy milk not his cows milk as my 2 year old likes to point out!) [Smile]

Just want to say thanks for the advice. Have been advised by BNF that it is safe for him to feed so he cqn come visit. Am very happy as have been mssing hin. Yay

Great, hope you get well soon! :)