What can I take for a cold while breastfeeding fast?

Navigating Cold Remedies While Breastfeeding
When you’re a breastfeeding mother battling a cold, the quest for relief can be daunting. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer in silence; there are safe options available to help you feel better without compromising your baby’s health.
Safe Medications for Nursing Mothers
Experts agree that many over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications are generally safe for breastfeeding mothers. Cough drops and lozenges, as well as sore throat sprays like Chloraseptic, are considered safe to use while nursing. These remedies can provide immediate relief from throat discomfort and cough without posing significant risks to your infant.
For systemic relief, pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are also safe choices. These medications can help alleviate fever and body aches associated with colds, allowing you to rest and recover more comfortably.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
In addition to conventional medications, some herbal supplements may offer benefits. Elderberry, for instance, is often used to shorten the duration of cold and flu symptoms. While it is likely safe for breastfeeding mothers, there is limited research on its effects on breastfeeding infants or milk production. Therefore, if you choose to use elderberry, it’s wise to monitor your baby for any unusual reactions.
What to Avoid
While many medications are safe, there are some that nursing mothers should steer clear of. Alcohol-based medications, as well as popular cold remedies like NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil, are not recommended during breastfeeding. These can potentially interfere with milk supply or have adverse effects on your baby.
Breastfeeding While Sick
It’s important to note that breastfeeding while you have a cold is safe. Viruses like the common cold do not pass into breast milk, meaning you can continue to nurse your baby without worry. In fact, breastfeeding can provide your infant with antibodies that may help protect them from illness.
Conclusion
In summary, if you’re a breastfeeding mother dealing with a cold, you have several safe options to alleviate your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, cough drops, and certain herbal supplements can provide relief without endangering your baby’s health. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation. Remember, taking care of yourself is crucial not just for your recovery, but also for your ability to care for your little one.

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 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.

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.

Is Mucinex safe for 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.

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.

Does Benadryl dry up milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Can I take 1000 mg of vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.