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josie_O
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 8:16pm \| IP Logged

Hello. Does anyone know if taking codeine in breastfeeding mothers is ok?
I'm new and a bit shy, sorry.But have enjoyed reading through this site, you have loads of information on here. I'm 30 and have just become a new mum to a boy called Matthew who is two weeks old on Sunday.

steph
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 8:30pm \| IP Logged

dont know mate, try phoning nhs direct and see what they say

Dizie
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 8:33pm \| IP Logged

Hi, and welcome to madmums.

I had my daughter by c-section and was prescribed codeine for pain relief. I was breastfeeding at the time and my GP assured me it was fine.

Might be worth having a chat with the pharmacist when you buy some.

Good luck!

Edit - Just found this on NHS Direct's site

Codeine

Codeine is commonly found in combination products for pain relief. Codeine may cause sleepiness and a fall in breathing levels, and newborn babies are particularly sensitive to this effect. However, the amount of codeine passing into breast milk is small. Breastfeeding after occasional doses of codeine may be regarded as safe, but regular, repeated or long- term use (i.e. longer than three days in a row), at recommended doses, is not advised.

Edited by Dizie on 30 March 2007 at 8:36pm

josie_O
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 9:14pm \| IP Logged

Thank you Dizie and Steph. I'm confused about loads at the moment

steph
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 9:46pm \| IP Logged

welcome to the world of parenthood...we're all here for each other, so just jump on and ask away, theres always somebody about sooner or later who knows the answers

MumSam
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Posted: 30 March 2007 at 10:18pm \| IP Logged

Dr's do prescribe codiene quite regularly to breast feeding mothers but be careful. There is evidence to support that some women carry a gene that matabolises codiene into morphine very rapidly which then passes onto the baby. So if you have to take codiene do it under medical supervision and watch your baby for any signs of lethargy. If you notice signs of baby being lethargic or unresponsive, not latching on then get babies blood tested and your milk. Also try not to express and store any breast milk during the time you take codiene. You could try taking different painkillers instead like paracetamol and brufen. hth

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Topic: codeine in breast feeding mothers