Epileptic mums: Can you breastfeed?

[DefiantRabbit9]

Hi I'm new to Mumsnet. I'm 5-6 week pregnant. I'm also epileptic I'm currently on Levitericetam (Keppra).

I know my AED will come through the breastmilk and my mother thinks after the first feeds I should use formula. Here's the thing: I really want to breastfeed, I want to bond with my baby.

Have your AEDs effected your breastfeeding?

I highly recommend checking with The Drugs in Breastmilk Service from The Breastfeeding Network. They have factsheets available for some common drugs but they also have a messaging service where a trained pharmacist can discuss your personal situation. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. Lots of drugs are compatible with Breastfeeding and unfortunately there are a lot of uninformed medical professionals out there.

I breastfed for 2 years on Lamotrigine, I spoke to the service mentioned above and they were really useful. I seem to remember that they said the first feeds were useful as a withdrawal from the meds as baby had already had some exposure in utero - but please check that because this is a good while ago now!

I’m currently breastfeeding while taking Lamotrigine. I can’t speak for Keppra unfortunately.

Do you have an epilepsy nurse? I got in touch with mine and then she set up phone calls every 3 months to discuss this kind of thing.

I didn’t swap the first feed for formula because they’ve already been exposed to the medication for 9 months.

Baby is totally fine :).

I do I have an appointment in May. I'm super early in pregnancy. Haven't even had my midwife appointment yet. The excitement is helping me cope with the morning sickness lol.

Definitely talk to the BFN’s Drugs in BM service @DefiantRabbit9, they are very good and congratulations!