How can a nursing mother treat cough?

Understanding Cough in Nursing Mothers
Coughing is a common ailment that can affect anyone, including nursing mothers. It serves as a protective reflex, helping to clear irritants from the throat and airways. However, when a nursing mother experiences a cough, it can raise concerns about her health and the potential impact on her breastfeeding infant.
Causes of Cough
Coughs can arise from various causes, including viral infections like the common cold or influenza, allergies, bronchitis, and even environmental factors such as smoke or dust. For nursing mothers, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause of the cough to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Safe Treatment Options
When it comes to treating a cough while breastfeeding, safety is paramount. Many over-the-counter medications are available, but not all are suitable for nursing mothers. It is generally acceptable to use certain cough medicines, but mothers should be cautious and consult healthcare professionals for advice tailored to their specific situation.
Natural Remedies: Many nursing mothers prefer to start with natural remedies. Staying hydrated is crucial; warm fluids like herbal teas or broths can soothe the throat and help alleviate coughing. Honey is another popular option, known for its soothing properties, but it should only be given to children over one year old due to the risk of botulism in infants.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can also provide relief. This can be done by taking a hot shower or using a humidifier in the room. The moisture helps to loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways.
Saline Nasal Drops: If the cough is related to post-nasal drip, saline nasal drops can help clear nasal passages, reducing the urge to cough.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While many coughs can be managed at home, nursing mothers should seek medical advice if the cough persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by a high fever, or if there are other concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Conclusion
In summary, nursing mothers can effectively manage a cough through a combination of natural remedies and safe over-the-counter medications. Staying hydrated, using steam inhalation, and considering saline drops are all beneficial strategies. However, it is crucial to consult healthcare professionals to ensure that any treatment is safe for both mother and baby. By taking these precautions, nursing mothers can navigate the discomfort of a cough while continuing to care for their little ones.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for a cough?

If you are feeling very unwell because of a cold, the flu or sinus problems, you should contact your doctor. For a dry cough, a cough suppressant such as pholcodine or dextromethorphan is considered safe while breastfeeding. A dry, irritating cough is usually associated with a postnasal drip.

What are the best cough drops for breastfeeding moms?

Benzocaine cough drops or lozenges (with or without menthol) are an excellent choice for cough relief in breastfeeding mothers. Common trade names: Cepacol. Honey (L3).

Can a breastfeeding mother take chest and lungs drugs?

Inhaled drugs used for respiratory conditions, including nasal sprays, pose little or no risk to the breastfed infant. Oral corticosteroids in dosages used for respiratory conditions do not require any special precautions in nursing mothers.

What decongestant is safe while breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

When should I be concerned about my baby’s cough?

Call your pediatrician if:
Your child has a cough combined with fast breathing. Your child has a high fever, especially if he’s coughing but does not have a runny or stuffy nose. Your child can’t speak normally because of coughing. Your infant (3 months or younger) has been coughing for more than a few hours.

Will my breastfed baby catch my cough?

Summary. You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19. Your child will not catch the infection from your breastmilk. Your milk will contain antibodies to the infection, which may protect your child.

How to stop baby coughing while breastfeeding?

Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.
If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat your baby’s back to help your little one calm down before you continue feeding.

Will Mucinex dry up my breast milk?

“It is best to avoid certain over-the-counter cough medications as they may decrease breast milk supply,” says Dr. Neela. “Just as they dry up your nasal congestion, they can also dry up your breast milk. Usually, antihistamines and nasal decongestants are the ingredients that have this effect on breastmilk.”

What is the fastest way to dry up breast milk?

Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma. Take Benadryl as directed on the package.

What is the best decongestant to dry up breast milk?

The cold medication pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may help reduce milk production. Researchers found that participants who took the pseudoephedrine had a significant reduction in breastmilk production compared to the participants who took a placebo (a pill that looks like medication but contains no medication).