How do you treat cold and flu while breastfeeding?

Treating Cold and Flu While Breastfeeding: A Comprehensive Guide
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing cold and flu symptoms while ensuring the health and safety of their infants. Understanding how to navigate this situation is crucial for both the mother’s recovery and the baby’s well-being.
Breastfeeding is Generally Safe During Illness
One of the most reassuring aspects for breastfeeding mothers is that it is typically safe to continue breastfeeding even when sick. According to health experts, viruses like the common cold do not pass into breast milk, meaning that breastfeeding can continue without risking the baby’s health. In fact, breastfeeding during illness can provide the infant with antibodies that help protect against infections.
Precautions to Take
While breastfeeding is safe, mothers with suspected or confirmed flu should take precautions to minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to their infants. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and wearing a mask if necessary. If a mother feels too ill to breastfeed directly, pumping breast milk is a viable alternative. This allows someone who is not sick to feed the baby, ensuring that the infant still receives the benefits of breast milk.
Managing Symptoms with Safe Remedies
When it comes to treating cold and flu symptoms, many over-the-counter medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, it is essential to choose remedies carefully. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends antiviral medications like oseltamivir for nursing parents with the flu, as they are generally safe and effective. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids—such as water, herbal teas, or chicken broth—can help alleviate symptoms.
The Importance of Rest and Support
Mothers should prioritize rest and recovery during this time. Although it may be challenging to care for a baby while feeling unwell, taking breaks when possible and seeking support from family or friends can make a significant difference. This support can allow mothers to rest and recuperate, which is vital for both their health and their ability to care for their child.
Preventive Measures
To reduce the risk of illness, breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, as it not only protects the mother but also helps shield the baby from the virus. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, can further minimize the risk of infection during cold and flu season.
In summary, while dealing with a cold or flu can be daunting for breastfeeding mothers, it is important to remember that breastfeeding can continue safely. By taking appropriate precautions, managing symptoms with safe remedies, and prioritizing rest, mothers can navigate this challenging time effectively while ensuring their infants remain healthy.

What can breastfeeding moms take for cold and flu?

Summary

• You can continue to breastfeed when you have a cough, cold, the flu or COVID-19.
• You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen whilst breastfeeding, at the normal adult doses.
• Oral decongestants are not recommended when you are breastfeeding as they can reduce your milk supply with just one or two doses.

How do I fight the flu while breastfeeding?

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

What decongestant won’t dry up breast milk?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

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.

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.

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

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.

How can a breastfeeding mother get rid of a cold?

Yes, there are several ways to manage cold symptoms without medications while breastfeeding:

1. Drink lots of water or other clear liquids. Clear liquids, especially warm ones, help break up mucus in your nose and chest.
2. Take a hot, steamy shower.
3. Use a humidifier.
4. Try a saline nasal spray or neti pot.
5. Rest.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while 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.

Will Mucinex dry up my breast milk?

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 best decongestant for breastfeeding moms?

Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine.