Has anyone had to break from bfing to take medication?

[avocadotoast]

Long story short, episiotomy infection and penicillin allergy may mean I need to take antibiotics that aren't suitable while breastfeeding.

I'm seeing the GP tomorrow and I'm armed with a raft of information re which antibiotics are suitable in the hope they can prescribe me something different.

But, worst case scenario, if they can't, I'll have to stop breastfeeding 5-week-old DD for the week I'll be taking the meds. Obviously I am not happy about this.

Has anyone been in this situation, and/or have any tips on maintaining supply and getting baby to take breast again after a break?

I might have a better outcome tomorrow but the doctor I spoke to on Friday (who prescribed said antibiotics without even checking if I was bfing ) just didn't seem to give a shit, so I'm not holding out hope for much support there.

There are as you know antibiotics you can take whilst bf. I really wouldn't worry they will change them.

You can call the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline for info and to talk with a specialist pharmacist. I found them brilliant in a similar situation.

Someone did mention that helpline, I'm going to call them tomorrow

I've already had one lot of antibiotics (erythromycin and metronidazole) for this infection which apparently weren't the right ones. The GP I spoke to on Friday gave me the impression that my options are either take what I've been prescribed (co-trimoxazole), penicillin (no go), or nothing. I'm hoping the one I see tomorrow might have some better answers.

Breastfeeding Network are a very useful source of info. There are actually few antibiotics that are not suitable in bf. Some manufacturers may suggest avoid in bf, but the drug may be commonly used in bf despite this, particularly drugs that have been around for yonks. What the BFN does is look at the evidence. Hope you feel better soon.

I had episiotomy infection and am allergic to penicillin. I took safe antibiotics. I had to to take two types together. i think it was metranidazole and cephalexin. I was told it was safe to bf and double checked with bf network.

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Your GP can also discuss with the local microbiology labs to get further information about which antibiotics will treat your infection (I am assuming you have had a swab?). Sometimes the result that comes through doesn't list all the treatment options.

Yes! Sorry, meant to update. Went back to GP and they confirmed that the antibiotics I'd been given are ok after all. But I did speak to the helpline and they confirmed the same