Flu plus caplets and breast feeding

[m33r]

My LB (14 weeks) and I are both loaded with the cold. I stupidly, in my sleep deprived haze, just took two beechams flu plus caplets now think maybe i shouldn’t have. Anyone any idea?

From what I can gather from dr google I should not have taken it because of the caffeine content - how much caffeine can be in it??! And the decongestant element may reduce supply. Does anyone know how badly both of these things will impact?

FWIW, despite what I found on the information leaflet (online) as per above, NHS24 said it wasn’t contra-indicated. Am I making a mountain out of a mole hill?

Sorry if this is rambly and stupid but I am very over anxious worsened by the lack of sleep and fact it is the middle of the night!

TIA xx

This is a great resource to know what you can take when bf
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/

I wouldn't worry too much from one dose but definitely avoid oral decongestants as they so reduce supply. Don't take any more. I'd recommend using a nasal spray decongestant instead. Sudafed do a great one. I've used it loads when bf. Once my dd was 12 months I allowed myself to take oral decongestants as she was getting plenty from solids. I didn't actually notice an effect on my supply when I used it, but if your baby is under 12 months I would avoid.

I've also consumed a lot of caffeine!

Hope you feel better soon.

Thanks anti. I also consume a lot of caffeine which is why I wondered! Will give the usual caffeine a miss tomorrow. I also tried to bring the tablets back up so hopefully any supply issues will be minimal. This is my second but this time I’m finding myself regularly blaming myself for affecting my breast milk - wind, milk allergies to name but a few - and am so close to quitting owing to the anxiety it’s causing me. Thanks again x

It happens! Please don't worry! I've been there! You must be feeling so rubbish with a cold and lack of sleep. Just stick to paracetamol, and steam inhalation. Don't panic. Take care of yourself.

I'm sure I've read somewherr that the effect on supply mostly happens in extended breastfeeding - so not the early weeks. But I wouldn't worry - a small drop in supply from a one off dose will just mean a bit more cluster feeding to compensate.

kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/

If you read down - basically ibuprofen/paracetamol/caffeine/ pseudoephedrine all not contra indicated, but the pseudoephedrine MAY reduce supply in up to 24% of mothers if taken on a daily basis. So meh, basically fret not

Sorry I misread it - may reduce supply BY up to 24% but many mothers do not notice a problem

Interestingly phenylephrine seems to be fine! Wish I'd known that a month ago when I was hanging for a fortnight with the flu - and just struggling with paracetamol and honey and lemon