How do I fight a cold while breastfeeding?

Fighting a Cold While Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Guide
Caring for a newborn is a demanding task, and when you add a cold into the mix, it can feel overwhelming. However, if you’re breastfeeding and find yourself battling a cold, there are effective strategies to manage your symptoms while ensuring your baby remains healthy.
Breastfeeding is Safe During a Cold
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that breastfeeding while sick is generally safe. Viruses like the common cold do not pass into breast milk, which means you can continue to nurse your baby without concern for transmitting the illness. In fact, breastfeeding can be beneficial during this time. Breast milk is rich in antibodies that help bolster your baby’s immune system, providing them with essential protection against infections.
Maintaining Hygiene Practices
While breastfeeding is safe, maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. Simple practices such as frequent handwashing can help minimize the risk of spreading germs to your baby. If you have a cough or sneeze, try to do so away from your baby, and consider wearing a mask if you’re particularly concerned about transmission.
Managing Symptoms with Safe Medications
Feeling under the weather can make it challenging to care for your little one. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are safe to use while breastfeeding. Common pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally considered safe, but you should avoid certain medications, such as those containing alcohol or specific antihistamines like Benadryl. Always consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that any medication you take is safe for breastfeeding.
Rest and Self-Care
While it may be difficult to find time to rest, prioritizing your own health is essential. Breastfeeding can be a good excuse to take a break and relax, allowing your body to recover. Hydration is also key; drink plenty of fluids to help alleviate symptoms and keep your milk supply steady. Warm teas, broths, and soups can be comforting and nourishing.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your symptoms worsen or you develop a high fever, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on managing your illness while ensuring that your breastfeeding routine remains uninterrupted. Additionally, if you have concerns about specific medications or treatments, a healthcare provider can help you navigate your options safely.
In summary, while fighting a cold can be challenging, breastfeeding remains a safe and beneficial practice. By maintaining good hygiene, using safe medications, and prioritizing self-care, you can effectively manage your symptoms while continuing to provide your baby with the nourishment they need.

What medicine can I take for a cold 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).

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.

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing.

1. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick.
2. Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
3. Clean your baby’s toys and pacifiers often.
4. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue.

Does Mucinex decrease milk supply?

“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.”

How do you treat a cold in a breastfed baby?

Self care

1. Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration.
2. Suction your baby’s nose. Keep your baby’s nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe.
3. Try nasal saline drops. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus.
4. Moisten the air.

Is emergen C safe for 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.

How to get rid of a cold fast 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.

Will my baby get my cold if I am breastfeeding?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

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.

Can a cold dry up breast milk?

Getting sick. Just catching a virus or bug such as the flu, a cold, or a stomach virus won’t decrease your milk supply. However, related symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, or decreased appetite definitely can.