Clindamycin while breastfeeding

Eaky77

Hi ladies. My OB believes I have Mastitis in one breast. She perscribed Clindamycin. While reading the literature, it said its excreted in breast milk. Has anyone taken this? It kind of freaks me out to take it, while breast feeding. I'm half tempted to not take the pills, as feeding my son on that breast takes all pain, and problems away. Am I just being over protective? New mom, and new to this breastfeeding gig, and I just want to be safe. Thanks in advance for any advice!

tbone_bride

I know how you feel! I was on 2 antibiotics due to an infection and was scared too. But definitely take the meds! MAstitis needs to be treated. The amount excreted in your milk is small. Check out the website lactMed, you can find more info. Also call your pediatrician for peace of mind! And feel better soon!

Sunfish22

Take it!!! I've taken it twice for mastitis and you will feel so much better. But keep nursing. The tiny amt that passes through your milk is not harmful. I hope you feel better. Mastitis is awful ;

Eaky77

Thanks. I just worry when checking Dr. Google, that even the manufacturer says don't take it while breast feeding. I think I will call the OB and see if there is another antibiotic they can put me on!

JaimeG183

the manufacturer has to have that warning, all meds do

i took it 3 times- once for a longer maintenace dose. If you have mastitis, it needs to be treated or you can end up with an abscess. However if you dont have the fever and flu like symptoms (which makes people beg for antibiotics) it might not be mastitis

Eaky77

I have no fever or flu like symptoms.  I called the OB today, and they are now thinking it could be just a clogged milk duct.  Since all pain and redness has now gone.  Feeding him on that side made all the difference!  I am waiting for a call back to see what I should do!

Eaky77

AmyG*:

how long did you take the meds for?  cause if you took a couple doses and feel better, then they gave you the right antibiotic to kick it, usually you feel better within 24 hours.

stop taking the med comes with risk of you having killed off the easy to kill bacteria, and now the harder to kill bacteria will come back and thrive, causing symptoms more/again/harder to get over.  that's how resistent bugs are born.

It's really a bad idea to start an antibiotic and then stop it when you feel better.

Clindamycin is rated L2 for safety, which is the safer drugs list.  Amoxicillin is rated L1 (safest drugs) but it doesn't usually work on mastitis.  I think your dr prescribed the perfect antibiotic.

Most every med out there will tell you not to take if you are breastfeeding, because the manufacturer has to do further more expensive testing to prove it's safe, and most don't want to have to do that.  So CYA they say don't use this med if breastfeeding.  This drug is given to very tiny babies and is pretty safe.

 

 

I only took one dose last night, and my breast was already feeling better.  I spoke with the OB, and she told me to go a head and stop the medication, because we think it was a clogged milk duct.

Thankfully, I grew up with a nurse for a mother, so I know the dangers of stopping a medication.  I appreciate all your help!