What can breastfeeding moms take for the flu?

Navigating Flu Season: What Breastfeeding Moms Can Safely Take
As flu season approaches, breastfeeding mothers may find themselves grappling with the discomfort of illness while also worrying about the health of their infants. Understanding what is safe to take during this time is crucial for both the mother’s recovery and the baby’s well-being.
Breastfeeding While Sick
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that mothers with suspected or confirmed flu should take all possible precautions with their infants. Fortunately, breastfeeding is generally safe during illness. In fact, continuing to breastfeed can provide essential antibodies to the baby, helping to bolster their immune system against the virus.
Experts from Medela suggest that even when feeling unwell, it is best to keep breastfeeding as normal. This is because common viruses, including those that cause colds and flu, do not pass into breast milk. This means that the benefits of breastfeeding—such as providing nutrition and immune support—far outweigh the risks of transmitting the virus through milk.
Precautions to Take
While breastfeeding, mothers should consider wearing a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. This simple measure can help protect the baby and others in the household from respiratory viruses, including the flu.
If a mother feels too ill to breastfeed directly, expressing milk is a viable alternative. This ensures that the baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk, although it may require significant energy. In such cases, maintaining strict hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing, is essential to minimize any risk of transmission.
Medications and Treatments
When it comes to medications, breastfeeding mothers should consult healthcare providers before taking any over-the-counter drugs. Many common flu medications are considered safe, but it’s important to verify their compatibility with breastfeeding. For instance, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally regarded as safe options for managing fever and body aches associated with the flu.
Additionally, the CDC recommends that breastfeeding mothers receive the flu vaccine, as it is safe and can help protect both the mother and the baby from influenza. The vaccine helps the mother develop antibodies that can be passed to the baby through breast milk, providing an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely continue to nurse their infants while managing flu symptoms. By taking appropriate precautions, such as wearing a mask and maintaining hygiene, they can protect their babies while benefiting from the immune support that breast milk provides. Consulting with healthcare professionals about safe medications and ensuring vaccination can further enhance the health of both mother and child during flu season.

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.”

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.

Is Mucinex safe while breastfeeding?

The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications have been used while breastfeeding. Small, occasional doses of antihistamines are acceptable while nursing.

Is DayQuil ok 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 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 can I take if I have the flu and I’m breastfeeding?

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

What cold and flu medicine is safe to take while breastfeeding?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

Can a breastfeeding mom take Tylenol cold and flu?

Many medicines are safe to use when you breastfeed. These include: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Some cold and influenza (flu) medicines.

Can a baby get flu from its mother?

If a mother is not ill with the flu, breastfeeding is encouraged. If you are sick, you may need to express your milk for use in bottle feedings given by a healthy person. It is unlikely a newborn can catch flu from drinking your breast milk when you are sick. Breast milk is considered safe if you are taking antivirals.

Is Tamiflu ok while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding Patients
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is probably compatible with breastfeeding. Levels of oseltamivir in milk (39 ng/mL) are very low and would be subclinical to an infant. The infant would receive only about 0.5% of the mothers dose. The CDC considers oseltamivir safe to use in breastfeeding mothers.