Breastfeeding on Antibiotics?? *quick answer needed*

**Pina Colada** · 23-07-2008 16:30

My SIL gave birth 9 days ago, and has developed a uterine infection.

Her GP has prescribed antibiotics for 5 days and has told her she cannot breastfeed in that time, and to put her bub on formula for 5 days.

She asked if there is any antibiotics that she can breastfeed on, and he said no. I find that really hard to believe, and wondered if any mums out there have bf whilst taking antibiotics???

**Manxie** · 23-07-2008 16:41

What a load of rot I think she needs to see a different g.p.

I got a uterine infection after dd was born. The dr wanted me to take gentamicin and he told me it was ok to continue feeding (not ideal but ok). I didnt want to as gent is a nasty antibiotic.

I did my own research online, talked to the midwifes at the hospital and talked to the Womans and Childrens hospital's pharmaceutical helpline and found out that Augmentin Duo Forte would do the same job and be a lot more gentle on dd through the breastmilk.

I really would suggest she seeks a second opinion. She dosent want to be pumping and dumping if she can help it.

**Emi** · 23-07-2008 16:44

WHAT!!!

Thats a load of *****

i am breast feeding and have just finished a dose of antiotics!!!

i would def be going to see another doctor if i were her!!!

**Beany** · 23-07-2008 16:48

As they said - load of rubbish. You can certainly find alternative antibiotics that are safe during lactation.

However.

It does depend on the degree of infection. Sometimes when it's been left too long, the stronger harsher drugs are needed and that may be the case here. She should certainly seek another opinion.

**Milliner** · 23-07-2008 16:53

Tell her to see another Dr ASAP!

How does he think women are treated when they get Mastitis?

Clearly another GP that doesn't know what he is talking about.

To take a baby of the breast as this age is going to affect her supply not to mention the issues that may take affect when she tried to re-attach bubs to the breast.

**zenifa** · 23-07-2008 17:02

Sorry but I am so annoyed with this GP.

I am currently finishing a course of antibiotics and am still bf my 9 mth old. My GP is very supportive of my bf and I have always emphasised that I will only take medication that won't affect my lactaction or my child.

I understand that your SIL needs to have her infection treated but to stop bf now for 5 days will seriously reduce her chances of successfuly breastfeeding (if she wants to)
Shouldn't her OB be prescribing this as its so soon after the birth? Otherwise she needs a new GP and fast.

Good luck to her and her new bub!!

**Tam-I-Am** · 23-07-2008 19:05

I was extremely sick after DD was born and was on 3 different kinds of antibiotics at one stage with her - I breastfed through it. Its not idea, but there are plenty of antibiotics that are safe for breastfeeding.

Tell your SIL to seek a 2nd opinion ASAP.

**sam's mum** · 23-07-2008 19:15

I have taken amoxycillin while bf and been told that it is safe. I hope that she can get everything sorted out for herself and her bubs.

**Pina Colada** · 23-07-2008 19:38

Originally Posted by zenifa

Shouldn't her OB be prescribing this as its so soon after the birth?

We live 1.5hrs away from our obs, so the ob told her to go to the gp for a prescription rather than drive all that way.

I told her to forget what the GP said, and call the ob for his opinion - she did, and he was great, told her to keep breastfeeding, it will be fine.

to lazy GP's

Thanks for your feedback guys