Need a quick quick answer, on my way out...

[sushistar]

...to the pharmacy - what can I take for a heavy cold while exclusively breastfeeding my 9 wk old?

bump? Anyone? Worried the pharmacist might suggest something unsafe

... and i need something, I'm really quite poorly!

the pharmacist is the best person to give you advice - who do you trust someone with years of training and expertise or a complete stranger on the internet??

I think its back to the old fashioned honey and lemon juice in hot water and a couple of paracetemol. Vicks vapour rub, olbas oil or karvol (you can use these in a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head).

I don't know about taking ibuprofen or anything else, but personally I stick to the above. Hope you feel better soon

you can call one of the helpline numbers howbreastfeedingworks.com/tag/breastfeeding/ on here, they should be able to confirm that what you are given is safe, if the pharmacist is unable to reassure you

sushi, I think you are sensible to ask for other views. I am surprised nervousal is so trusting of pharmacists - we have heard many cases on mumsnet where the pharmacist has given mothers incorrect advice on meds and breastfeeding. You'd be sensible to check out anything that 'strangers on the internet' say, as well In the end, doing this, and following links if they are shared, allows you to make an informed judgement.

So, sushi, ask the pharmacist, but inform yourself as well.

There is good drugs info - referenced, and written by a pharmacist - at
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk including stuff you can take for minor ailments.

lulu - the breastfeeding helplines won't normally talk about medicines, as it's outside a breastfeeding counsellor's boundaries to do so....but we do refer mothers to written sources of information to inform themselves. We can't confirm something is safe.

THANK YOU tiktok - there's an info sheet on 'cough and cold remedies and breastfeeding'. Fab! I was given some dodgy meds/bfeeding advice by a dr no less, so tho i'm sure the pharmacist knows lots of stuff, they're probably not experts in breastfeeding. Ta everyone!

tahnks for the clarification tiktok..... glad to be corrected, don;t want to give the wrong info !

You're welcome, Lulu

We do get asked drugs questions a lot, and I'm sure you understand why we are limited in how we can deal with them.

Talking of drugs, there have been a few threads on MN I have been part of/read that have discussed taking recreational drugs whilst breastfeeding and rarely have they got any answers other than 'You shouldn't take drugs you awful parent'.

What is the standard advice regarding those types of drugs? I assume there is a time period for each type of drug to leave your system similar to alcohol?

I think all recreational drugs are pretty much a no no when breastfeeding. Aside from the obvious issues with fitness to look after a baby the biggies like heroin, cocaine etc are very dangerous to babies who are breastfed. Marijuana is classed by Hale as L5(contraindicated) I think as well.

These links might interest:
66.230.33.248/discus/messages/53/3080.html
www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/marijuana.html
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/Breastfeeding%20and%20medication%20FAQ.pdf

Hales book "Medications & Mothers Milk" has details about recreational drugs if you want to know the effects they have on mothers & babies.

Thanks terramum, more links to add to my evergrowing collection!
I just wish I'd known more about it when been on previous threads, and the OP wanted to know if/how it would affect her baby and how long it took to get out the system, all too often people can disappear on such threads because peopel come and have a go about their lifestyle rather than give them the advice they need.