Your baby will have got used to AEDs while in the womb and so breastfeeding can be a useful way to wean your baby off the medication that they have become used to. Some AEDs can pass into your breastmilk and make your baby sleepy. It might be a good idea to alternate between breast and formula if you take these medicines.
As tiredness can be a trigger for seizures try to get support for night feeds or during the day so that you can try to get a good sleep.
There are steps you can take to keep you and your baby safe if you have a seizure:
- Dress and change your baby on the floor
- Carry your baby in a padded carrycot or sling rather than your arms
- Have a wrist strap on your pram so it doesn’t roll away
- Feed your baby in a low highchair to stop it tipping over
- Feed your baby on the floor surrounded by cushions
Talk to your child about your epilepsy so they know what to do if you have a seizure and how to get help.
You can decide at what age it is best to talk to your child about epilepsy as you know them best.