What can I take if Im sick while breastfeeding?

Navigating Illness While Breastfeeding
When a breastfeeding mother falls ill, it can raise concerns about the safety of continuing to nurse her baby. Fortunately, most common illnesses, such as colds and the flu, do not pose a risk to the infant through breast milk. In fact, breastfeeding during sickness can provide both nutritional benefits and comfort to the baby.
Breastfeeding Benefits During Illness
Breastfeeding while sick can be advantageous for both mother and child. The mother’s body produces antibodies in response to her illness, which can be passed through breast milk, potentially helping to protect the baby from the same illness. This natural transfer of immunity is one of the key benefits of continuing to breastfeed when unwell.
Moreover, breastfeeding can offer emotional comfort to the baby, providing a sense of security during a time when the mother may be feeling less than her best. It also allows the mother to rest while sitting down to nurse, which can be a much-needed break when feeling fatigued.
Safe Medications for Nursing Mothers
While breastfeeding, it is crucial to consider the medications that a mother might take to alleviate her symptoms. Many over-the-counter medications are safe for breastfeeding mothers. For instance, acetaminophen is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, as only small amounts are secreted into breast milk. This makes it a common choice for managing pain or fever.
Other medications, such as certain cold and flu remedies, can also be safe, but it’s essential to check specific ingredients. For example, decongestants and antihistamines may be suitable, but some can affect milk supply or cause drowsiness in the mother. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant before taking any new medication to ensure it is safe for both mother and baby.
Hydration and Nutrition
Staying hydrated is particularly important when sick, as illness can lead to dehydration. Mothers should aim to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or broth, to support their recovery and maintain milk production. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can also help the body fight off illness and support breastfeeding.
When to Pause Breastfeeding
In rare cases, certain serious illnesses may require a mother to pause breastfeeding. Conditions like HIV or HTLV-1 are exceptions where breastfeeding is not recommended. However, for most common illnesses, continuing to breastfeed is not only safe but beneficial.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while sick is generally safe and can be beneficial for both mother and baby. With careful attention to medication choices and hydration, mothers can continue to provide nourishment and comfort to their infants during their recovery. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice tailored to specific health situations.

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing.

1. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick.
2. Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
3. Clean your baby’s toys and pacifiers often.
4. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue.

Can breastfeeding moms take DayQuil?

Dextromethorphan. This cold medicine is considered safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects.

What can I take for 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.

• Advil (Ibuprofen)
• Motrin (Ibuprofen)
• Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

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.

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 anti sickness is safe while breastfeeding?

Domperidone and breastfeeding
It’s been used during breastfeeding for many years without babies having side effects. Domperidone can also be used to help increase your breast milk supply. Although it’s not made for this purpose, a specialist may offer this to you, if other things have not worked.

Can I have Tylenol cold and flu while breastfeeding?

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 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 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.

Does your milk supply drop when 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.