Damn. I've taken lemsip max- it contains phenylephrine.

[VictorianSqualor]

BfN say not to take as it may make baby agitated and wakeful, also that a similar drug seems to 'dramatically reduce' prolactin levels.

Fuck.

Hey, VS.

I had the exact same dilemma when DS2 was about 9mo. I had a shocking cold and was desperate for something other than paracetamol to stop my nose running and being blocked at the same time (SO unfair!). I did all the reading and decided it looked as if it was ME it might have an effect on, not DS2, so decided it was worth it and just fed him more. I didn't notice a difference in my supply.

However, this is utterly anecdotal. I would suggest if you haven't noticed anything, he should be fine and so should your supply.

I would also suggest, unless you co-sleep, in which case you might not like the drowsy-making side of it - Medised. I know it says not suitable for children under two now, but it'll surely be negligible amounts in your bmilk and it does work v nicely for the bunginess of colds at night. Not great if you're driving and it affects you as much as it does me though!

Sorry you're feeling poorly. Hope you're better soon. Have just been taking Day Nurse myself (and am still feeding DS2 who assures me there is lots of milk!) because of a horrible cold/ear infection thing - so much empathy!

I took lemsip flu plus, lemony drink and it said on the leaflet inside to consult doctor if breastfeeding but that USUALLY it is ok to take then.

I took quite a few doses and DD was fine. I can't remember the name of the decongestant in it but it worked very well for me.

I've taken Lempsip (sachets, made into drinks) a few times while bfing and haven't noticed any side effects on ds2 or my supply.

I think I checked Kellymom, etc and it was the pseudoephrine that seemed to be more of a problem - presumably that's why Sudafed and Lemsip are said to be okay.

Kellymom says "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, 2006 edition).

Many meds have been reformulated so they no longer contain pseudoephedrine -- they're using phenylephrine instead. Per Hale, "Because of pseudoephedrine's effect on milk production, many have concerns that phenylephrine may suppress milk production as well. There is no evidence that this occurs at all."

I took that to mean it was fine to take it occasionally. Sometimes paracetamol just doesn't do enough and you have to take something stronger.

I didn't notice any effect on DS except he has been feeding mammothly but of course that can be explained by all sorts of things!

I made do with hot toddys yesterday but am feeling shite again today so in two minds as to take it again or not. Grrr.

VS & hunker, Medised contains phenylephidrine to, so not really an alternatve to Lemsip max in this case.

Basically anything which dries up nasal secretions is likely to have the same effect on all bodily secretions, of which BM is one.

Given that phenylephidrine seems to be better than pseudoephidrine in this respect it may be worth the risk; but only you can make that judgement. I suspect it's like the drowsiness sideeffect; doesn't affect everyone, but does affect some.

(am a chemist, btw!)

Ah, well that's made up my mind then. I thought I was overreacting about worrying that phenylephrine affecting my milk but that plus DS's pretty much continuous feeding yesterday has settled it. Also, if he is feeding more because he is poorly then I'd prefer not to have any drugs in my system.

Thanks NAEN.