Can you take ibuprofen cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Can You Take Ibuprofen Cold and Flu While Breastfeeding?
For nursing mothers battling the discomforts of a cold or flu, the question of medication safety is paramount. Among the common over-the-counter options, ibuprofen stands out as a frequently considered choice. But is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
Ibuprofen and Breastfeeding: A Safe Option
Research indicates that ibuprofen is generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. According to the InfantRisk Center, only a small fraction—approximately 0.6% of the maternal dose—transfers into breast milk. This minimal amount is significantly lower than the doses typically administered to infants for pain relief, making ibuprofen a preferred analgesic for nursing mothers.
Moreover, health guidelines suggest that ibuprofen can be taken at recommended doses without concern. The NHS advises that while it’s always prudent to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication, ibuprofen is considered safe for use during breastfeeding.
Dosage Considerations
While ibuprofen is deemed safe, it’s important to adhere to recommended dosages. The maximum daily limit for breastfeeding mothers is 3.2 grams. Staying within this guideline helps ensure both the mother’s health and the safety of her breastfeeding infant.
Alternative Cold and Flu Remedies
In addition to ibuprofen, there are other medications and remedies that nursing mothers can consider. For instance, acetaminophen is also safe for use during breastfeeding. However, when selecting cold medications, it’s advisable to opt for those with breastfeeding-safe ingredients. This often means choosing individual components—like a nasal spray for congestion and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief—rather than combination cold medications, which may contain ingredients that are not recommended for breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, nursing mothers can take ibuprofen for cold and flu symptoms without significant risk to their infants. With its low transfer rate into breast milk and established safety profile, ibuprofen serves as a reliable option for managing discomfort during illness. However, as with any medication, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional to tailor treatment to individual health needs and circumstances.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for the flu?

For women who are breastfeeding with suspected or confirmed flu, the preferred antiviral medication is oral oseltamivir.

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).

Why can’t you take ibuprofen while breastfeeding?

You can take ibuprofen or use it on your skin while breastfeeding. It is one of the painkillers that’s usually recommended if you’re breastfeeding. Only tiny amounts get into breast milk and it’s unlikely to cause side effects in your baby. Many people have used it while breastfeeding without any problems.

Can you take Advil cold and flu while pregnant?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can hurt your developing baby. Do not take NSAIDs such as these when you are pregnant: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) Naproxen (Aleve, Midol)

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.

What cold and flu medicine can I take while breastfeeding?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

Will ibuprofen dry up breast milk?

Your baby receives very little of the medication in your milk, and very few meds will affect your milk supply. Tylenol and ibuprofen are fine to take for pain relief and fever, for example. For allergies and colds, most antihistamines are okay, but some decongestants can decrease your milk supply.

Does Tylenol Cold and Flu affect breast milk?

Dextromethorphan safety
Tiny amounts of dextromethorphan reach breast milk. If you take only the recommended doses of Tylenol Cold and Flu, it probably will not affect your baby.

Can I take Advil cold and flu while breastfeeding?

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.

How to get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.