What cough drops can you take while breastfeeding?

Cough Drops and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing common ailments like coughs and sore throats while ensuring the safety of their infants. Fortunately, many cough drops are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, but it’s essential to choose wisely and understand the ingredients involved.
Safe Options for Cough Relief
According to health experts, benzocaine cough drops are an excellent choice for breastfeeding mothers. Benzocaine has low oral absorption, meaning that the concentration in maternal blood is unlikely to reach levels that could affect a breastfed infant significantly. This makes benzocaine-based lozenges a reliable option for soothing throat irritation without posing a risk to the baby.
Additionally, menthol-containing cough drops are generally safe as well. While menthol can provide a cooling sensation and help relieve coughs, it is important to monitor how your body reacts to it. Most cough drops primarily consist of sugar and flavorings, with menthol being one of the active ingredients.
Considerations for Other Ingredients
When selecting cough drops, it’s crucial to be aware of other active ingredients. For instance, dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in many cough medications, is also deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers. Products like Robitussin and Delsym, which contain this ingredient, are unlikely to affect milk supply or cause side effects in infants.
However, while many cough drops are safe, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or your baby’s pediatrician before introducing any new medication into your routine. This is particularly important if you have any underlying health conditions or if you are taking other medications.
Herbal Alternatives
For those who prefer natural remedies, herbal options like slippery elm bark can be beneficial. This ingredient is often found in herbal cough drops and throat lozenges and is known for its soothing properties. However, as with any herbal remedy, it’s essential to check the other ingredients to ensure they are safe for breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding mothers can safely use cough drops, particularly those containing benzocaine or menthol. Dextromethorphan is also a safe option for cough relief. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure that any medication or remedy you choose is appropriate for your specific situation. By being informed and cautious, you can effectively manage your cough while keeping your baby safe.

What can a breastfeeding mom take for a cough?

If you are feeling very unwell because of a cold, the flu or sinus problems, you should contact your doctor. For a dry cough, a cough suppressant such as pholcodine or dextromethorphan is considered safe while breastfeeding. A dry, irritating cough is usually associated with a postnasal drip.

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.

What cough drops are safe while pregnant?

Cough & Cold: Cough Drops

• Halls Menthol Cough Suppressant/Oral Anesthetic Plus Medicine Center.
• Ricola Cough Suppressant Throat Drops.
• Vicks Menthol Cough Suppressant/Oral Anesthetic Drops.

How to stop baby coughing while breastfeeding?

Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.
If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat your baby’s back to help your little one calm down before you continue feeding.

Can a breastfeeding mom take cough drops?

Most lozenges with menthol are safe for nursing moms because very little makes it into the milk supply. However, menthol is derived from peppermint oil, which may reduce milk supply in some women. It’s probably best to avoid consuming large amounts of peppermint or menthol cough drops.

Are there any breastfeeding friendly throat lozenges?

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 to do if mother has a cold while breastfeeding?

If you have a cold or flu, fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, or mastitis, keep breastfeeding as normal. Your baby won’t catch the illness through your breast milk – in fact, it will contain antibodies to reduce her risk of getting the same bug. “Not only is it safe, breastfeeding while sick is a good idea.

Can I have Ricola cough drops while breastfeeding?

In principle, Ricola products are safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. For your own safety, however, we recommend that you consult your doctor in advance to rule out any allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients in our products.

Can I take Benadryl while breastfeeding?

Taking Benadryl occasionally during breastfeeding is safe. However, taking Benadryl regularly or in large doses may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. It may also reduce your milk supply. Antihistamines that cause less sleepiness are usually preferred over oral Benadryl while breastfeeding.

Is slippery elm safe while breastfeeding?

There is some folk herbal history that Slippery elm may cause miscarriage, however, it is unclear whether this refers to the practice of inserting Slippery elm preparation vaginally or taking the herb orally. DO NOT take any herbal supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding unless you’re under a provider’s supervision.