How do you kick a cold while breastfeeding?

Navigating a Cold While Breastfeeding
Catching a cold can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers, who must balance their own health with the needs of their infants. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to manage symptoms while ensuring that breastfeeding continues safely.
Breastfeeding is Safe During a Cold
One of the most reassuring aspects for nursing mothers is that viruses like the common cold do not pass into breast milk. This means that even when you’re feeling under the weather, it is generally safe to continue breastfeeding your baby. In fact, breastfeeding during illness can be beneficial, as it allows your baby to receive antibodies that help bolster their immune system. Experts recommend that mothers should keep breastfeeding as normal, even when experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu.
Managing Symptoms Effectively
While breastfeeding, it’s important to manage your cold symptoms effectively. Many mothers wonder about the safety of over-the-counter cold medications. Fortunately, there are options available. Certain medications, such as pain relievers like acetaminophen, are considered safe for nursing mothers. However, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol-based medications and specific products like NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil, as these can potentially affect milk supply or be harmful to the baby.
If you’re unsure about which medications to take, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide clarity on safe options tailored to your specific symptoms.
Alternative Feeding Methods
In instances where a mother feels too ill to nurse directly, expressing breast milk is a viable alternative. This can be done using a breast pump, and the milk can then be fed to the baby using a clean cup or spoon. This method ensures that the baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk while allowing the mother to rest and recover.
Rest and Hydration
Beyond medication, rest and hydration are key components in kicking a cold. Taking time to rest not only aids in recovery but also helps maintain milk production. Staying hydrated is equally important, as it supports overall health and can alleviate some cold symptoms. Warm fluids, such as herbal teas or broths, can be particularly soothing.
Conclusion
In summary, while dealing with a cold as a breastfeeding mother can be daunting, it is manageable with the right approach. Continuing to breastfeed is safe and beneficial, and with careful attention to medication choices and self-care practices, mothers can effectively navigate their recovery while caring for their little ones. Remember, if symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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.

What cold medicine can I take 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).

How to stop a cold when you feel it coming on?

This article lists 10 ways to help people feel better when they suspect a cold is coming.

1. Drink plenty of fluids. Share on Pinterest Image Credit: MonaMakela/Getty Images.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Manage stress.
4. Eat a balanced diet.
5. Eat honey.
6. Increase vitamin D levels.
7. Take zinc.
8. Take vitamin C.

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.

Can I use Vicks vapor rub while breastfeeding?

Don’t use Vicks Vaporub, either, because it contains camphor.

What gets rid of a cold quickly?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Easing Cold Symptoms

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Gargle with salt water.
3. Over-the-counter medications : Over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can reduce some cold symptoms.
4. Humidify the air .

Does vitamin C help with colds?

Vitamin C does not prevent colds and only slightly reduces their length and severity. A 2013 review of scientific literature found that taking vitamin C regularly did not reduce the likelihood of getting a cold but was linked to small improvements in cold symptoms.

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.

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.

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.