Does cold medicine affect breast milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Cold Medicine on Breast Milk Supply
As the cold and flu season approaches, many breastfeeding parents find themselves grappling with the question of whether it’s safe to take cold medicine without jeopardizing their milk supply. The good news is that most cold medications are generally considered safe for breastfeeding individuals. However, there are nuances that warrant careful consideration.
The Safety of Cold Medications
Cold medicines can provide much-needed relief from symptoms like congestion, cough, and sore throat. Many common over-the-counter options, such as those containing dextromethorphan or guaifenesin, are unlikely to affect breast milk supply negatively. These medications work by suppressing cough or thinning mucus, respectively, and are typically safe for nursing parents to use.
However, not all cold medications are created equal. Some, particularly those containing menthol, can potentially reduce milk supply if consumed in excessive amounts. This is an important consideration for breastfeeding mothers who may be tempted to rely heavily on cough drops or throat lozenges that contain menthol.
Medications to Approach with Caution
While many cold medications are safe, certain types can have adverse effects on milk production. For instance, some nasal decongestants and antihistamines are known to potentially decrease milk supply. This is particularly true for medications that have a drying effect, as they can lead to reduced fluid intake and, consequently, lower milk production.
Steroid nasal sprays, such as fluticasone, are often recommended as safer alternatives since they are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and affect milk supply. However, research on their long-term safety during breastfeeding is still limited.
The Role of Overall Health
It’s also crucial to consider that the act of being unwell can inadvertently affect milk supply. When a breastfeeding parent is sick, they may skip feedings or feel too fatigued to nurse effectively, which can lead to a decrease in milk production over time. Therefore, maintaining hydration and ensuring regular breastfeeding or pumping sessions is vital, regardless of medication use.
Conclusion
In summary, while many cold medicines are safe for breastfeeding parents, caution is advised with certain types, particularly those containing menthol or that have drying effects. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication, especially during breastfeeding. By staying informed and making careful choices, nursing parents can manage their cold symptoms effectively without compromising their milk supply.

Does Tylenol cold and flu affect milk supply?

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.

Do cold medications decrease milk supply?

Will cold medications lower my milk supply? Possibly. Pseudoephedrine is the main OTC cold medication that may lower milk production. Some people have reported that diphenhydramine and menthol may also lessen the production of breast milk.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

What medications cause low milk supply?

For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply. So please call us if you are breastfeeding and need clarification on the safety of a medication or to see if a medication you are taking may be affecting your milk supply while breastfeeding.

What causes drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

How can I fight a cold while breastfeeding?

Making sure you take in plenty of fluids and eat nourishing foods. Use saline sprays and humidifiers for nasal congestion and throat lozenges for sore throat and cough. If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications.

What cold medicine can I take while breast pumping?

Medicines containing either dextromethorphan or guaifenesin (an “expectorant” that thins mucus) can help quell a cough, and they’re unlikely to impact your breastmilk supply. (Learn ways to improve your breastmilk supply.)

What medication dries up milk supply?

Women sometimes to ask for a tablet to stop their milk supply. This medication works best if it is taken within 12- 24 hours of your baby’s birth. The medication is not routinely prescribed in hospital due to the many side effects and health risks with this medication. The medication is called cabergoline (Dostinex®).

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

What can I take for a cold that won’t affect milk supply?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.