The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk Service

04/09/2026

As summer turns to autumn, the warm and damp weather can mean more bites and stings 🍂

If you're breastfeeding, you may be wondering what you can take to soothe that itch!

One of our volunteer pharmacists, Jessie, shares how to treat bites and stings whilst breastfeeding 💜

For more information, check out our factsheet:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/antihistamines/

If you have any questions, our team are here every day of the year:

📩 [email protected]
💬 Or drop us a message on Facebook or Instagram

Please share to help us reach mums who may need this information 💜

03/09/2026

If you're worried about any medication you may need to take while breastfeeding, please get in touch. You can drop us a message on here or Instagram, or email us at [email protected] 💜

Not all medicines are equal

⏱️ Some need to be taken at a certain time
🍽️ Some need to be taken with food
🍂 Some may interact with herbal remedies

03/09/2026

02/09/2026

Can I take paracetamol while breastfeeding?

The short answer — yes!

You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen at their usual doses while breastfeeding.

But there are a couple of things to be aware of when taking pain relief:

💜 Avoid products containing codeine - small amounts can pass into your breastmilk and may cause drowsiness or breathing problems in your baby.

💜 Avoid products containing aspirin - there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye's syndrome in children, especially if your child has a viral infection or fever.

💜 Some paracetamol products also contain caffeine - worth checking, as having too much caffeine may make your baby restless.

Always check the label before taking any pain relief, as many combination products contain these ingredients.

For more information, check out our Analgesics and Breastfeeding factsheet:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/analgesics/

If you have any concerns or questions, please get in touch with our pharmacist volunteers:

📩 [email protected]
💬 Drop us a message

Please share 💜

[ID 1: Can I take paracetamol while breastfeeding?]

[ID 2: Yes - you can take paracetamol and ibuprofen at their usual doses if you are breastfeeding.]

[ID 3: Avoid products containing codeine - small amounts can pass through to your baby in your breastmilk and may cause drowsiness or breathing problems.]

[ID 4: Avoid products containing aspirin - there is a possible link between aspirin and Reye’s syndrome in children, especially if your child has a viral infection or fever.]

[ID 5: If you are concerned, please speak to your doctor or contact our Drugs in Breastmilk Service. More info in our factsheet: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/analgesics/]

02/09/2026

You can have the flu vaccine if you're breastfeeding. Find out more about vaccinations and breastfeeding here - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/vaccinations/

From today, children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccinations ahead of winter.

Children aged 2 and 3 can get vaccinated at their GP surgery, while most school-aged children will be offered the vaccine at school.

Pregnant women can speak to their maternity team, GP practice or community pharmacy about getting vaccinated.

Find out more ➡️ nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

02/09/2026

✨Vacancies✨

We have peer supporter vacancies at both our Breastfeeding Network Birmingham and Southampton Welcomes Breastfeeding services!

If you're passionate about breastfeeding and want to support mums and families in your local area? We'd love to hear from you 💜

Apply here:
https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/recruitment/

Know someone who would be perfect for one of these roles? Please share💜

[ID: VACANCIES. Closing Date 8th September. Peer Supporter (North Birmingham). Peer Supporter (South Birmingham). Closing Date 15th September. Peer Supporter (Southampton). Find out more:
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/recruitment]

31/08/2026

Today's Monday Mood is: chill 😎

Whether you're enjoying a day off with the kids, planning a day out, or just business as usual - give yourself a break today.

Being responsive works well for your own needs as well as your baby's 💜

If you're missing your local support group today, don't forget our National Breastfeeding Helpline UK is still open as usual - 24/7.

If you're going back to work or the little ones are going back to school (if they haven't already), you may be able to get some last-minute tips from our peer supporters.

Whatever your plans, have a lovely Bank Holiday!

Please share 💜

[ID: . A smiling mum breastfeeding her baby in a park.]

28/08/2026

Do you need information on asthma while breastfeeding? - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/asthma/

Thunderstorms can trigger symptoms for those with lung conditions, like asthma.

If the weather makes your symptoms worse and you need to use your inhaler more, talk to your pharmacist, contact your GP or NHS 111.