Hormones, bf and horrendous migraines.... Help please!

[Rach35]

have posted this under bf too.....I used to get migraines when on the pill (about every 2-3mths)then my GP took me off the pill about 3yrs ago because of the risk associated with migraines and stroke. Since then I haven't had a migraine and didn't right through my pregnancy. However, I am now bf and have a 5wk old baby and have had 3 horrendous migraines in the period of a month, fortunately my mum has been around to help look after DD. What happens with your hormones when bf as I know you might not have periods etc....? Can anyone help and also suggest ways to alleviate pain - I only dare take paracetomal which barely makes a difference....

I still suffer from migraines, had really bad ones in both of my pregnancies too. Just thought, maybe the position of you bf and dehydration causing migraines?

I use lavender oil and take Syndol, it seems to help but obviously not Syndol whilst bf unless you express before you pop the syndol.

They have a muscle relaxant in them which usually does the trick and I take them as soon as I get the zig zag vision.

yes - after the birth of ds4 i had horrific migraines
nhs direct said - mix nurofen and paracetamol and take up to full dose of both
take medication immediately you feel anything

i sympathise with you as it was awful - being told i could take painkillers did help as i would have stopped bf ing they were so bad
hope you get some relief

Hi Rach35

Can you go for some cranial treatment?

A good chiro who also treats using cranial therapy should be able to do wonders for your migraines and try and help resolve root cause too.

My hubby is a chiro cranial practitioner, also specialises in pregnancy and paediatrics, and I know from having met many of his patients that it is superb for even the most long standing migraine sufferers and helps relieve the pain and stop them recurring. And it's very gentle treatment too.

Its awful to be suffering so much. I hope you find a way to relieve it soon.

Best wishes

Sara x

You can take codeine whilst bf.

What else triggers your migraines?
I know that burning the candle at both ends would always trigger my mums migraines and I guess having a 5 week old counts!
Are you able to rest whilst lo is sleeping during the day?

Have there been any major changes to your diet as often cheese, chocolate and citrus can be triggers, in addition to not eating regularly enough to maintain blood sugar levels.

Would second the chiro advice. I got a bout of migraines last December having not had one for years - ended up having 5 in a week. Went to doc who recommended "lifestlye changes" and a magnesium supplement.

Had another one the following day and it ended up all in the back of my head and down into my neck so I went to the chiropracter. One session and I haven't had a migraine since.

Interestingly he also advised the magnesium supplement. Both he and the doc (are at same clinic) had been to a conference on headaches/migraines and an American specialist gave a talk on the benefits of supplementing with magnesium. They recommended 500 mg a day for a few months. (Chiro reckoned it must really work if specialist was recommending it on the basis that specialists (in his view) usually recommend something much more expensive!).

Not sure about magnesium while BF but can't see that it would do any harm - maybe someone else will know.

You may be tense about the BF and holding your neck in an awkward position so a chiro could really help.

Thnks for advice about chiro - that's a great idea that I hadn't thought of ...... will go and find one!

Hi Rach35

I hope you've had some pain free time this weekend. Let me know if you'd like me to ask my hubby if there is a chiro who's skilled in treating post-pregnancy that he'd suggest where you are.

Best wishes

I have had headaches with breastfeeding so not the same thing but was recommended to drink lots more water and I haven't had one since.

Snap to OP. none in pregnancy, always when bf, wierd.

"4head" works for me, no idea how. it's about a fiver (not cheap for little stick thingy) but one stick lasts ages.

Pepermint oil in oil-burner also did a bit for me, feel less sicky with it, but basically hiding in dark room etc is always what i end up with.

Good luck