Flagyl & Breastfeeding--thrush Coming?

Call an LLL leader if you're worried about the med, but if your doctor knew you were breastfeeding and prescribed it, it's probably fine. Most medications will say that (to cover the Rx company in case of problems), but really in breastfeeding much is safe (though there are better and worse antibiotics and such) and the benefits of continued breastfeeding almost always out weigh the risks to babies. As far as thrush (which you should always think about if you take an antibiotic, but especially as you breastfeed, since it's way worse to have and harder to get rid of then), taking a probiotic while you are taking the medicine (and afterward for awhile) will help. It will help put the HELPFUL bacteria back into your system that is being killed by the antibiotic. You can get acidopholis at healthfood stores, or get yogurt that has "live active cultures." They even have frozen yogurt that has these good bacteria these days! I hope you're feeling better!

K.

My son had thrush at 7 months, not sure why it suddenly occurred. Neither of us was on antibiotics, he was breastfeeding, and it just happened. Threw his tub toys out to make sure it wasn't them, and sterilized all pacifiers and anything he played with or touched or slept with to get rid of it. He had it 3 times in a row. The first time, the doctor gave him Nystatin, 2 weeks later it came back, the second time they gave him Nystatin again in a stronger dose. 1 month later it was back. The third time they gave us gentian violet, where you have to paint his mouth purple 1-2 times a day (and it stains everything, so strip him down and lay a blanket or towels down where he will play for awhile) for about a week. I also started giving him the baby yoghurt everyday to ensure the bacteria in it would keep the yeast in balance so one didn't out colonize the other. Never saw it again. I know doctors tell you no cow's milk until after 1 year, but some pediatricians think the yoghurt is fine, some don't, you will have to decide for yourself. My son has no allergies to milk either.
As for Flagyl and baby, if your doctor was aware of breastfeeding and you asked the Pharmacist about it, then you did what you needed to. Most medications/drugs have not been tested on babies, so it is unknown territory as to the many side affects that could occur. I would just ask the doctor if Flagyl was the best alternative to treat what you needed and had the safest outcome for baby, or abstain from all meds. No meds is safest, but will not taking the Flagyl affect how and if you can care for your baby, and will you get worse? You will have to weigh the odds and decide for yourself. Good Luck!

Ali

I am not sure about the meds sorry.However I am very familiar with thrush.It is no big deal.It will look like milk that won't wipe off of the tongue.Or it can be little white spots on the lips.It will usually spread the longer they have it.The doc would perscribe this stuff that you rub in their mouth and that takes care of it.Most babies will still drink their bottles/breast.Their mouth can get sore but uusually not too bad if you catch it early.

E.,

Jeez,youve got a tough one here.Im assuming your Dr knows you're breastfeeding and prescribed it anyway? Maybe he thinks the dosage is low enough to not bleed excessively into your milk. There is so much research going on about things crossing over,now they are saying foods you eat do not effect a BF baby.Some Moms will scream about that one.
Me,personally...I would call the after hrs line and speak to an on call RN or Dr.Get their advice first.
My daughter never got thrush,but Im told it can spread all thru the mouth and throat,since its like a yeast infection.

Side thought-
Your Dr gave you Reglan to increase your milk and you arent supposed to take it while BFing??? ~laughs~ Wha...Why... they would even make a med to do that and tell you not to take it for what you need it for...mind boggling.

Congrats on your doctoral!