Help!!!

[mkpgoddess]

So I just got diagnosed with strep, which means penicillin. I'm terrified of thrush, not to mention screwing with my 7 week old's digestive system (she's already a spitter but still....).

Any tried and true methods to maintain the status quo while taking 500mgs, 4x a day?????

TIA!

[tibeca]

Taking large amounts of probiotics can really make the difference when having to take antibiotics. I have taken as much as 30 billion live active cultures at a time, with minimum detriment to my bowels. However, I tapered myself into that dose, and didn't just start out with that much.

Most places sell just "acidopholus" pills. They generally have between 1 and 5 million live active cultures. I would start out with probably 3 a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and watch that you don't take so much that you get diarrhea. Udo's choice (available at "natural food stores") as well as many other brands sell a probiotic blend. These often include 3-5 strains of healthy bacteria.

Also, real yogurt (without hfcs) can provide these active cultures too. I just found it easier to consume the pills over the necessary amount of yogurt.

Probiotics are actually something you can take all the time, and help you stay healthy, regardless of antibiotic use..

[crystal_buffaloe]

I took 6 acidophilus pills a day (2 at each meal) and didn't have any diarrhea or anything like that, but I was treating thrush, not trying to prevent it.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to be proactive in cleaning/sterilizing things -- wash anything that comes into contact with your boobs in hot water with vinegar in the rinse (towels, nursing bras, sheets, etc) and to sterilize anything that goes into the baby's mouth (any pacifiers, bottles, spoons, etc) frequently.

[mkpgoddess]

Thanks, guys. I've been popping the acidophilus and eating yogurt, as well as popping Vit C and echinacea. I swear my immune system goes to crap after having babies and I do NOT want to spend the next year or so fighting off something. With my DD#1, it was amazing that I kept my job with how much I was out or there but sick. It would be great not to repeat that....