formula for 10 days?

[waiting21]

I am EBF my 3 month old.  I just got some infection in my toes, that requires I take an antibiotic.  I have talked to the pharmasist, and her pediatrician, and they say there are mixed reviews about this type (Cipro) and if it is okay to BF while taking it.  So I decided not to BF while taking it for 10 days.  New concern: if I stop for 10 days, will she go back to the breast?  And, during these 10 days am I depriving her of antibodies that are in breast milk and not formula, that she needs to fend off the flu, if she were to be in contact with it?

[PamelaBee]

Yes, the med Cipro is considered a class "C" drug and is considered unsafe to breastfeed while taking.  The only concern about not being able to BF for 10 days is your supply may decrease or diminish altogether.  Unfortunately, you can't pump and use the expelled milk either.  You have already been BFing for 3 mos and that is awesome!!  As we all know Bfing is the best, but in some instances, as yours, it is wise to not expose your baby to any toxins or residual effects of an antibiotic.  I would speak directly with your Pediatrician, better yet a Lactation consultant.  They will best be able to tell you the best alternative feeding choice for your baby.  They will also help you make an informed decision as to the best choice of formula to use within that time.  I take it you haven't pumped and frozen any BM?  Even though I am BFing my 2 1/2 mo old baby girl, I choose to limit any outside exposure, stores, etc...in hopes of protecting her from any potential germs, flu...just be mindful during that 10 day period, not to take your baby out and about so many people.  Best of luck!

[tiredbuthappy]

it's not impossible to get the baby back to the breast. a LC could always try to help. i would suggest using a slow flow nipple on the bottle so that the baby has to work to get the formula. in addition, you will need a good pump to maintain your supply those 10 days. you can either purchase a pump like the medela pump in style or lansinoh pump, or you can rent a hospital-grade pump. pumping and dumping id frustrating and heart breaking, but will be necassary to maintain your supply. you should pump about as frequently as your baby would nurse, so that your body is still used to the schedule after the 10 days

[AndiJ78]

I would ask the doc to give you an rx for a hospital grade pump while you are on the Cipro to maintain your supply. You will need to pump as often as you are nursing now at a minimum.  Just dump what you get, but pump a full feed.

The idea for a slow flow is terrific.

I am assuming they have considered other options. What a rotten situation.

[waiting21]

Thank you everyone for your advice.  After thinking through it, I decided not to take the Cipro.  I just didn't want to go the 10 days without BF.  So, I am just going with my other option, which is removing a portion of my big toe nails.  They'll grow back!

[AndiJ78]

You are fantastic! My dh says he would have them all removed if given the option :-)

I was not sure if that was an option, but I know if I were you I would have gone the same direction. Nursing was so vital to both my boys and I.

Keep us posted for sure.

[KATE535]

I would definately pump/ express the milk so that your body will still keep producing milk when you finish your antibiotics, otherwise your supply will drastically br reduced if you stop for 10 days then try to get it back. It will be a lot of work to get the same supply you had. You can just disgard that expressed milk and give your baby formula, but at least you aren't having to give up BF when you are no longer on meds. Your supply will then be normal for your baby in 10 days, Good luck.