What cold remedies are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Cold Remedies While Breastfeeding
Navigating the world of cold remedies can be particularly challenging for breastfeeding mothers. With concerns about the safety of medications for both themselves and their infants, it’s essential to know which options are safe and effective.
Safe Over-the-Counter Options
Most over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. Common medications that can help alleviate symptoms include:
– Pain relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are typically safe to use while nursing. They can help reduce fever and relieve body aches without posing significant risks to the breastfeeding infant.

– Cough suppressants and expectorants: Many formulations of Robitussin, Delsym, and Benylin are compatible with breastfeeding. These can help manage cough symptoms effectively.
– Sore throat remedies: Throat sprays and lozenges are generally safe, although mothers should be cautious with menthol-containing products, as excessive use may reduce milk supply.
Medications to Avoid
While many OTC options are safe, certain medications should be avoided:
– Alcohol-based products: Medications like NyQuil and DayQuil contain alcohol, which can be harmful to a breastfeeding infant.
– Antihistamines: Some antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can cause drowsiness in both the mother and the baby, and may also affect milk supply.
– Decongestants: Medications containing pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) can potentially decrease milk production, so it’s advisable to use them cautiously.
– Codeine: This opioid can accumulate in the baby’s system and lead to serious side effects, including respiratory issues.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding During Illness
Interestingly, breastfeeding during a cold can actually benefit the infant. While the cold virus itself cannot be transmitted through breast milk, the antibodies produced by the mother in response to the illness can be passed to the baby, providing them with some level of protection against infections. This natural immunity is one of the many advantages of breastfeeding, even when the mother is feeling under the weather.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers do not need to suffer through a cold without relief. Many safe options are available to alleviate symptoms, but caution is necessary with certain medications. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it is safe for both mother and baby. By making informed choices, nursing mothers can manage their cold symptoms effectively while continuing to provide the benefits of breastfeeding.

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.

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.

What is the safest decongestant for breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

What can I take for a cold while breastfeeding?

You can use lozenges, pastilles and throat sprays (e.g. Strepsils®, Ultra-Chloraseptic throat spray®, Difflam®) when you are breastfeeding, to relieve your symptoms. There is very little data on whether these products affect breastfed infants, but they have been used extensively without reports of problems.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for the flu?

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

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.

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 decongestant is safe while breastfeeding?

Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

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.

Is Tylenol cold and Flu ok 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.