What can I take if I have the flu and breastfeeding?

Navigating Flu Season While Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother contracts the flu, it can raise concerns about her health and the well-being of her infant. However, health experts emphasize that continuing to breastfeed during this time is not only safe but also beneficial for the baby.
Breastfeeding Benefits During Illness
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition and hydration for infants, especially when they are ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that mothers continue breastfeeding or provide expressed breast milk to their infants, as it helps keep them hydrated and provides essential antibodies that can protect against infections. This is particularly important during flu season, as breast milk contains immunological properties that can bolster an infant’s immune system.
What Medications Are Safe?
While managing flu symptoms, breastfeeding mothers often wonder about the safety of medications. Generally, many over-the-counter cold and flu medications are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but caution is advised. Saline nasal sprays and decongestants are typically recommended as they can alleviate symptoms without posing significant risks to the nursing infant.
However, it’s crucial to avoid certain medications, especially those containing high doses of aspirin or other ingredients that may not be suitable for breastfeeding. Always consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure it is safe for both mother and baby.
Hydration and Rest
In addition to medication, maintaining hydration is essential. Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or chicken broth, can help alleviate flu symptoms and support milk production. Rest is equally important; allowing the body to recover from the flu will help in maintaining overall health and milk supply.
When to Seek Help
If a mother feels too ill to breastfeed directly, she can pump her breast milk and have someone else feed it to the baby. This ensures that the infant continues to receive the benefits of breast milk while minimizing the risk of transmitting the flu.
In summary, breastfeeding during the flu is not only safe but also advantageous for the infant. Mothers should focus on hydration, rest, and consult healthcare professionals regarding any medications they consider taking. By doing so, they can effectively manage their health while continuing to provide the best nutrition for their babies.

Is Tamiflu safe for 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.

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).

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for the flu?

If you are sick enough to need antiviral medications, Tamiflu is preferred for breastfeeding mothers over other antiviral medications. If you need to take over the counter (OTC) medications to help treat symptoms, most OTC medications are compatible with breastfeeding but some medications are preferred over others.

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 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.

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.

What cold and flu medicine is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe cold medicine while breastfeeding
In general, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, NSAID pain relievers, acetaminophen, and second-generation allergy medications such as Zyrtec and Claritin are considered safe options for treating cold symptoms while breastfeeding. Dr.

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.

Can my breastfed baby catch my flu?

If you have the flu, you can keep breastfeeding your baby, even if you take antiviral medicines for flu-like symptoms. Breast milk is custom-made for babies, providing antibodies that babies need to fight infection. So, continuing to breastfeed can protect your baby from the infection that your body is fighting.