In the event of antibiotics, what to do?

[Italiamom]

I used to get strep throat most every spring. I managed to avoid it while I was pregnant (last spring), but I've got the tell tale achy glands coming on. I'm gargling with GSE, swallowing garlic, echinacea, etc., etc., in hopes that I can keep myself from ending up with full blown strep throat.

That said, in the event that I do need to take a round of antibiotics (obviously only after a positive throat culture), what I can I do to prevent all the miseries that they can cause a nursing mama (I'm thinking thrush)? Which ABX are safe for an almost exclusively nursing mom and baby? And also, what can I do in the event that I pass the strep to DS and he needs antibiotics? Is there anything I can do to help avoid the thrush and yeasty rash that I've heard come with antibiotic use in kiddos? DS has never been treated with antibiotics (he's 11 months now), and it's been nearly three years since I've been treated with any, so I have no experience with this

Please help me with some preemptive ideas here!

[Therese's Mommy]

Are you prone to yeast infections? If not, I wouldn't worry too much. I have had to take a round of abx with all 3 of my nurslings (mastitis, sinus infection, and strep). Each time I got a good probiotic and took it diligently and didn't have a problem. I have never had a yeast infection in my life.

[Marylizah]

Breastfed babies don't usually get strep throat. The breastmilk helps protect them.

For yourself, check out Kellymom for a list of abx that are safe with breastfeeding-- there are many out there. I would take a probiotic as well, and possibly also give some to your baby.

[Italiamom]

I've ended up with a yeast infection EVERY time I've taken antibiotics in my adult life, which is why I'm so scared of ending up with thrush. I've heard it's a bear to get rid of...

[zazenist]

I've got a nasty sinus infection and am on my third antibiotic since Xmas. I, too, was terrified of getting thrush since I'm BFing my DD, but so far we've been fine. Each time, both DD and I have taken probiotics, during the entire course of the antibitic and for a few days after. For best results, take the probiotic as far from your antibiotic doses as possible to get the maximum benefit. DD gets hers dissolved in a bottle of pumped breast milk. We've been giving her a supplement that has bifidobacteria as that is closest to the natural GI flora of a breastfed babe. LactMed is a good and authoritative source of info on the safety of drugs for BFing, and KellyMom (as a previous poster mentioned) also has a lot of good info. Good luck!