What can I drink while sick and breastfeeding?

Staying Hydrated While Sick and Breastfeeding
When you’re sick and breastfeeding, it’s crucial to maintain hydration and support your recovery while ensuring the safety of your breast milk for your baby. Here’s a detailed look at what you can drink during this time.
Hydration is Key
Staying hydrated is essential, especially when you’re unwell. Water should be your primary beverage. It helps to keep your body functioning optimally and supports milk production. Aim to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Herbal teas, particularly those that are caffeine-free, can also be beneficial. Ginger tea, for instance, may help soothe nausea, while chamomile can promote relaxation.
Nutrient-Rich Options
In addition to water, consider consuming nutrient-rich drinks. Broths, especially chicken or vegetable broth, can provide hydration along with essential nutrients and electrolytes. Smoothies made with fruits and vegetables can also be a great way to boost your vitamin intake while keeping you hydrated. Adding ingredients like spinach, bananas, and berries can enhance the nutritional profile.
Caution with Caffeine
While caffeine is generally safe in moderation, it’s advisable to limit your intake while breastfeeding. High caffeine consumption can lead to irritability in infants and may affect their sleep patterns. If you choose to have coffee or tea, opt for smaller servings and monitor how your baby reacts.
Alcohol Considerations
When it comes to alcohol, the consensus among health experts is clear: it’s best to avoid drinking while breastfeeding. If you do choose to consume alcohol, moderation is key. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that if you have a standard drink, you should wait at least two hours before breastfeeding to minimize any potential effects on your baby. However, the safest option is to refrain from alcohol altogether during this time.
Breastfeeding While Sick
Interestingly, breastfeeding while sick can actually be beneficial for your baby. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect your infant from infections. If you are feeling unwell, ensure that you practice good hygiene—wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact if you have a contagious illness. Drinking extra fluids and getting plenty of rest will aid in your recovery and help maintain your milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, while sick and breastfeeding, prioritize hydration with water and nutrient-rich beverages, limit caffeine, and avoid alcohol for the safety of your baby. Your body needs support to recover, and maintaining a healthy intake of fluids will benefit both you and your little one. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your specific situation.

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.

Does your milk supply drop when you are sick?

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.

What can I drink if I have a cold and breastfeeding?

Are there home remedies for a cold I can use while breastfeeding? Yes, there are several ways to manage cold symptoms without medications while breastfeeding: Drink lots of water or other clear liquids. Clear liquids, especially warm ones, help break up mucus in your nose and chest.

What you Cannot drink while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What can I drink besides water while breastfeeding?

drinking plenty of fluids – have a drink beside you when you settle down to breastfeed: water, lower fat milks, lower sugar or sugar-free drinks are all good choices.

How do you stay hydrated when sick and breastfeeding?

Other ways to keep yourself well-hydrated:

1. Drink milk and fruit juices. They contain lots of water.
2. Vegetables and fruits contain water, too. Eat more of them.
3. Drink water often. You should rarely feel thirsty.
4. Avoid going out in the heat.
5. Exercise indoors or during the cooler parts of the day.

Will DayQuil dry up breast milk?

Other medications, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, can hinder milk production and cause irritability or other side effects in babies. Avoid products sold under the brand names Benedryl, Sudafed, NyQuil, and DayQuil while lactating.

What can I take if I’m sick while breastfeeding?

Only a miniscule amount of ibuprofen or acetaminophen transfers to breastmilk, making these meds first-choice options for fever and headache while breastfeeding.

What can I take for cold and flu 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).