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Can you take anything for the flu while breastfeeding?

Understanding Flu Medications While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of balancing their own health needs with the safety of their infants. When it comes to treating the flu, it’s essential to navigate this territory carefully. The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations. For breastfeeding mothers, the question arises: Can you take anything for the flu while breastfeeding?
Consult Healthcare Professionals
The first step for any breastfeeding mother experiencing flu symptoms is to consult with a healthcare professional. This step is crucial as they can provide personalized advice based on the mother’s health, the severity of her symptoms, and her baby’s age and health status.
Safe Medications
Many over-the-counter medications are considered relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers. Here are some commonly used options:
1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): This pain reliever and fever reducer is generally regarded as safe for nursing mothers. It can help alleviate flu symptoms such as body aches and fever.
2. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Another pain reliever that is compatible with breastfeeding. It also helps reduce inflammation and fever.
3. Decongestants: Some decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), are typically safe for short-term use while breastfeeding. However, they can decrease milk supply in some women, so it is wise to monitor any effects closely.
4. Cough Medicines: Certain cough suppressants and expectorants can be safe, but it’s important to choose products specifically labeled for breastfeeding mothers.
Medications to Avoid
While several medications are safe, some should be approached with caution or avoided entirely:
– Aspirin: This should be avoided due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome in children.
– Combination Products: Many cold and flu medications contain multiple ingredients that may not all be safe for breastfeeding. Always read labels carefully and consult with a doctor.
Non-Medical Remedies
In addition to medications, breastfeeding mothers can consider several non-pharmaceutical remedies to ease flu symptoms:
– Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is vital. Fluids can help thin mucus and soothe a sore throat.
– Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for recovery.
– Humidifiers: Using a humidifier can relieve congestion and improve breathing.
– Warm Salt Water Gargle: This can soothe a sore throat effectively.
Conclusion
Navigating flu treatment while breastfeeding requires careful consideration. While many medications are available, consulting a healthcare provider is imperative to ensure both the mother’s and infant’s safety. With the right approach, breastfeeding mothers can effectively manage flu symptoms without compromising their nursing relationship. Always remember, the health of both mother and child is paramount, and informed decisions can lead to safer outcomes for both.

What cold and flu medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe cold medicine while breastfeeding
In general, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, NSAID pain relievers, acetaminophen, and second-generation allergy medications such as Zyrtec and Claritin are considered safe options for treating cold symptoms while breastfeeding. Dr.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

Are breastfed babies safe from the flu?

Influenza is not spread to babies via breastmilk. Rather, people infected with the flu can spread it to others via tiny germ droplets (eg when coughing or sneezing).

Is DayQuil ok while breastfeeding?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

Is Mucinex safe for breastfeeding?

The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications have been used while breastfeeding. Small, occasional doses of antihistamines are acceptable while nursing.

Can I take emergen C while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can take Emergen-C while breastfeeding, but it’s important to not exceed the recommended dosage. Emergen-C is a supplement rich in vitamin C, often used for boosting immune health. However, while vitamin C is crucial for both you and your baby, consuming it in large amounts can cause digestive upset.

Can a breastfeeding mom take Tylenol cold and flu?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

Do cold and flu tablets dry up breast milk?

Paracetamol, when taken as directed, is safe for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid any cold or flu tablets containing pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These can make the baby unsettled. Pseudoephedrine has been known to decrease milk supply.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for the flu?

If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications. If you need to take over the counter (OTC) medications to help treat symptoms, most OTC medications are compatible with breastfeeding but some medications are preferred over others.

Can a baby get flu from its mother?

If a mother is not ill with the flu, breastfeeding is encouraged. If you are sick, you may need to express your milk for use in bottle feedings given by a healthy person. It is unlikely a newborn can catch flu from drinking your breast milk when you are sick. Breast milk is considered safe if you are taking antivirals.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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