Worms! Ew. What can I take Breastfeeding?

[madamefreckle]

Most Unpleasant. I'm sure I have thread worms and my son has complained a few times of an itchy bottom recently. I am breastfeeding a 6 month old baby. What can we all do / take to get rid of them? Can I take any meds? Should I give anything to the baby? Do I need to see a doctor or can I just get something from Boots? Please give me some advice - I'm totally grossed out!

Anyone please?

Poor you, horrid!

dd had suspected (never saw any) worms when I was pg, and I took Pripsen: the piperazine one, NOT the mebendazole one. It was okayed by my Obstetrician, who is a consultant at a big London teaching hospital, and wasn't the sort to take any risks. So I would say you'd be fine with that

I wouldn't give anything to the baby unless you see worms in his/her nappy...easy enough to spot, I would think, keep an eye out!

If your son is over 2yrs of age, he can take Ovex, which is mebendazole. Or vermox, same thing (prescription from GP, Ovex over the counter).

Don't forget to re-dose 2 weeks later, and wash everything in sight including cuddly toys! Oh, and sleep in pants and PJs, cut nails short, and wash wash wash hands (and bottoms in the morning). Good luck

Thank you Elibean. I've got a pack of mebendazole tablets (Boots own brand) and I think i'm going to risk it. It isn't licenced for breastfeeding women but apparently evidence shows that only a clinically negligible amount passes into breast milk.

Madamfreckle you have saved my life by posting this - desperately upset by recurring worms (esp as DH and DS seem immune) and worried about infecting 4mo DD. Also not helping the overall feeling of being fat and generally unattractive to know that the little buggers are around and about.

Mentioned this to the doctor at DD's 6 week check and they were adamant that if I spot anything in her nappy I must go to the quack again.

Blackcurrant jam is an old remedy. One spoonful downed any way you like

madamefreckle I took the nasty ones whilst breadtfeeding (was too embarrassed to go to dr stupid, I know), but DD was fine, no ill effects. :)

MF,

Have previously had these.

Apart from the good counsel that has already been suggested you can run a bath and sit in this hot water when you get up. It will wash away and kill any eggs that have been laid overnight (your son should bathe in this way as well when he gets up). You both need to do that every morning for a week or two though.

Another thing you can do is wear knickers in bed (your son should wear pants in bed under his pjs).

Keep nails short, hoover as much as you can and do not share towels.