Taking antibiotics while nursing

Jamie - posted on 03/24/2009

I know that I am a little late but I thought I would say, I have a 13 wk old and I also had sinus infection also when he was only 3 wks. I would say that he best way is go natural. Herbs are the best way and if you can bare it let it just run its course.

Do Not Pump.... bad idea!!!

Debbie - posted on 03/23/2009

you can also check out www.drjacknewman.com he has a list of meds and you can also email him specific questions and he will respond very quickly

Jen - posted on 03/23/2009

doctors are not the best people to ask-you should call a lactation consultant-they are trained in this-never take the advice of: stop breastfeeding-there is always a way.

Jen - posted on 03/23/2009

YES!!! 3 weeks after my son was born, I was on zithromax for an upper respiratory Infection. I was really nervous, and the pharmacist did not reccomend it, BUT YOU CAN TAKE THEM!!! I called my Lactation consultant and they said to go to lactmed.com-it is perfectly safe-DEPENDING ON WHAT IT IS. Ammox is probably the safest. BTW-my son was fine.

Sarah - posted on 03/22/2009

Sounds like it will be Ok. Thanks everyone! I will be calling the doctor tomorrow, I need this infection gone before I get on a plane in two weeks. I am guessing flying with impacted sinuses would not be a good idea!
As for pumping to store up while I am on meds... that would not work. I have a great electric pump and I can never pump more than an ounce or two in one hour of pumping. My body does not respond to a breast pump, I have had that problem with all my kids. I am blessed to be able to stay home with them, or nursing would not have worked for me.

Allison - posted on 03/22/2009

Quoting Denieda:

Oh boy! Sounds like you need to get pumping. If you can pump enough milk and store it to get your little one by while you are on meds you will be good to go. I wouldn't risk taking meds while brestfeeding without a doctors approval. Good luck!

There are *many* safe meds you can use while breastfeeding. The best resource for this is Dr. Thomas Hale's book Medication and Mother's Milk (updated regularly) or his website at .

Denieda - posted on 03/22/2009

Oh boy! Sounds like you need to get pumping. If you can pump enough milk and store it to get your little one by while you are on meds you will be good to go. I wouldn't risk taking meds while brestfeeding without a doctors approval. Good luck!

Allison - posted on 03/22/2009

If you do decide on an antibiotic, make sure you get probiotics for you and baby to prevent digestive issues and thrush. This is very important, as antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in your and baby's system, thus causing yeast issues. The probiotics put this back in (examples include Acidophilus and Lactobacillus). They are sold in health food stores and even grocery stores now as well. You can put a little on your finger and have baby suck it off. I know some health food stores sell probiotics especially for babies as well, but if you can't find some it's ok to open a capsule of your own and use some of that powder for baby. I do believe kellymom has information on this as well.

Amy - posted on 03/22/2009

Hello...I have breastfed two babies (my second is still nursing at 9 1/2 months old), and have had to take antibiotics with both of them.  When I had my first, I was very sick and kept trying home remedies...it got so bad, that it was difficult for me to stay healthy enough to provide "good milk" for my baby...as long as you tell your dr., he will be sure to prescribe something that is o.k...my kids are great and never had a problem : )

Jennifer - posted on 03/22/2009

Most antibiotics are safe for baby. I had to take ammoxicillin while I was preggers with my last and the doctor said it was perfectly safe. It can however interfere with some hormonal forms of birth control, so definitely check with your doctor about this if you are on the pill.

Dorota - posted on 03/22/2009

It all depends on the antibiotic. Make sure you tell your doctor as well as your pharmacist(just to have a second check) that you are breastfeeding to ensure that it will be safe for the baby.