Hi Moms! My dr put me on amoxicilin for bronchitis and even though he said it's OK to take while nursing, I'm still very hesitant. Since it's a form of penicilin I am fearful that my daughter will have an allergic reaction to it. Has anyone been in this situation and was everything OK? I'm debating pumping and dumping but I want to do the right thing. Please advise! Thank you!!!
Thank you everyone for your support and experiences! Despite the fact that my Dr assured me that it was OK to take amoxicillin (that's what they give to babies anyhow) I wanted to hear the experiences of other mothers. I greatly appreciate your advice! Thank you for taking the time to respond. :)
Its fine. I've been on it a couple of times and my daughter has been fine. Her doc explained that amox is the type they give to babies anyway so for them to get it may fight off any possibility of getting what you have. Feel better!
Courtney,
I have taken this while breastfeeding and I had no issues. I just made sure that I ate tons of yogurt for both myself and if your child is on solids already I would give her some too. It will help balance out the good and bad bacteria. I was super concerned about the safety of the antibiotics and nursing and I called the pharmacy to double check and make sure it was ok. If they can't give you an answer then I would call your Dr and just tell them you want to double check. Good luck and congrats for nursing so long!
L.
Hi Courtney,
I understand your hesitation as I am also a first time mom, but amoxicillin is very safe to take while breastfeeding. Any medication is only passed on to your daughter in breast milk by less than 2% (some sources say less than 1%)of the dose you are getting and it is safe for babies to take anyway, it is what is given as a first choice for ear infections, etc. Your daughter will benefit more from continuing to breast feed even if it contains a very small amount of the medication than from disrupting breastfeeding.
Hope this helps!
M.
Hi Courtney,
I've been on antibiotics twice while nursing, once for a UTI and once for an ear infection. My daughter didn't have any problems, not even slight diarrhea.
Don't pump and dump! Your daughter will be fine, and she'll get the antibodies your body is making. I agree with Melissa L, take acidophilus for 60 days after you're done with the antibiotics to make sure you and/or your daughter don't get thrush. My lactation consultant gave me the same advice; I've been taking it almost the entire time I've been nursing and we haven't had any problems with thrush.
As a health care professional for 25 yrs, (dental hygienist) and being over 50... I wonder about the questions in Mamasource that pertain to medical issues. Why don't you
call your pediatrician? Do you have a problem trusting your MD? Get someone you do trust. It's important to establish that trust now before a major issue, and do some
of your own reading so you can ask intelligent questions.
how long have you been sick, is it contagious, are you able to rest and eating right? If you don't take the meds what will happen? If you do what will happen to your milk?
has your child had antibiotics and had a adverse reaction?
ask all the questions you have...they should take the time to answer. D.
Courtney,
There are very few drugs you can't or shouldn't take while breastfeeding. I breastfed my first child until he was 2 and my second until he was 1.5. I can guarantee you that I didn't go 3.5 years with no antibiotics! LOL Amoxicillin commonly give to infants so the tiny, tiny amount that is passed to your baby shouldn't be a problem. Ask you doctor what you should look for in terms of an allergic reaction but I think the chances of that are very slim. I would NOT pump and dump because then you'd be exposing your baby to your bronchitis without boosting her immune system with the antibodies in your breastmilk. In my opinion, she's way better off having breastmilk with a tiny bit of antibiotics than no breastmilk.
My favorite breastfeeding site is www.kellymom.com You can find all sorts of helpful info there.
:-)T.
I had to take antibiotics and my lactation consultant told me to take acidophus while I was on the antibiotics. I got it in the refrigerated vitamin section of Whole Foods. Beware that after you take all the antibiotics and such that you might get a yeast infection but none of this should affect nursing. Hope you feel better soon!
don't pump and dump!! especially if she's never had formula before. the risks and effects of formula are more significant. the amount of medication he'll get in through the breastmilk is insignificant.
I took it for a sinus infection while nursing and my little guy was fine. I believe amoxicillin is one of the antibiotics they give kids if they get ear infections so it's safe for them. I wouldn't worry but, as with everything, just watch for any strange reactions. Also, if you only have to take one pill a day, take it at night (I'm assuming baby is sleeping thru the night and not nursing) so that in the morning when you wake and nurse, most of it will have been processed thru your system and there won't be as high a level in your milk. Just an idea, but I really wouldn't worry. It should be fine! No need to pump and dump.
I took it while breastfeeding and everything was fine. I hope you feel better soon!
I took amoxicillin while I was breastfeeding and I didn't have any problems with my daughter. You should be fine.
I had to take it once while I was pregnant and once while I was breastfeeding. Everything was fine! They even prescribe that to babies. My daughter was on it at the age of 2 weeks old (long story). Talk to your doc and he/she should reassure you that you are safe to take it.
