General
- Rest. ...
- Take in extra vitamin C from foods, juices or in supplement form.
- Echinacea is generally recognized to be safe for nursing moms.
- Garlic eaten raw, cooked, or taken as a supplement can help. ...
Full Answer
Can I take cough suppressants while breastfeeding?
You can take cough suppressant dextromethorphan which has been considered safe and does not affect the baby when breastfeeding. Generally, lozenges, throat sprays, and cough drops are also safe; it is essential that you steer off drops that contain high menthol content because they can reduce milk supply.
What can I do for a nursing parent with a cough?
Congestion: A steamy shower or bath, saline-only (saltwater) nasal spray, and plenty of warm fluids can help ease congestion. Cough: Warm water with lemon and honey can ease the nursing parent's cough. Honey is not recommended for children younger than 12 months of age, but if the nursing parent has honey in warm water or tea, it's considered safe.
What is the best cold medicine to take while breastfeeding?
Zinc Zinc gluconate is a commonly recommended cold remedy, considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Zinc works by stopping the rhinovirus from multiplying.
Can I breastfeed if I have a cold or flu?
It can be challenging to breastfeed your baby when you're not feeling well. You may have concerns about breastfeeding while sick, but it's safe to continue breastfeeding even when battling a cold or the flu. Many cold and flu medications are safe to use, too.
What can I take for a cough if breastfeeding?
Taking dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin), a cough suppressant, while breastfeeding is typically fine. If you have a dry cough, you might find this helpful. If your cough comes with a bit more mucus, guaifenesin ER (Mucinex) is usually the go-to.
What cough and cold medicine is safe 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.
Can a nursing mother take cough syrup?
Can I take cough syrups while breastfeeding? Cough syrups aren't recommended while breastfeeding, says Lamond. Here's why: There are three active ingredients found in cough syrups. Pseudophedrine is one—it's effective, but will lower your milk supply so it's not advised.
Can I breastfeed my baby if I have cough?
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 use Vicks Vaporub while breastfeeding?
Don't use Vicks Vaporub, either, because it contains camphor. There have been reports of camphor causing serious effects in babies, and the skin-to-skin contact while nursing may expose your baby to the cream or fumes.
How can I get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?
Sore throat sprays or lozenges are generally considered safe, as are cough drops. Avoid eating excessive amounts of cough drops containing menthol. Large amounts of menthol can reduce milk supply. Many forms of Robitussin, Delsym and Benylin are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Will Robitussin dry up breast milk?
Avoid all products with decongestants such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, because these can cause a significant decrease in milk supply. Preferred medications are: Cough medicines with guaifenesin (such as plain Robitussin) Cough medications with dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin DM)
Can breastfeeding moms take Robitussin?
The expectorant guaifenesin and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan are often found together in products like Mucinex DM or Robitussin DM. Both of these medications are okay to take while breastfeeding.
Can I breastfeed if I have Covid?
Can I Breastfeed My Baby if I Have COVID-19? Coronavirus does not seem to spread to babies through breast milk. It's safe to breastfeed if you have COVID-19. But a mom with COVID-19 could spread the virus to their infant through tiny droplets that spread when they talk, cough, or sneeze.
What can breastfeeding moms take for a sore throat?
Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding: Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist. Gargle some salt water. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.
What happens to my breast milk when I'm sick?
Having a cold or any other type of virus won't directly impact your milk supply. However, if your illness is also causing diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, or decreased appetite, you'll probably notice reduced milk production. Your body doesn't have enough fluids and nutrients to make the normal amount of breast milk.
Will my breastfed baby get sick if I am?
Can I Still Breastfeed if I'm Sick? In most cases, yes — most illnesses are not dangerous to your baby. If you aren't feeling well, remember that as your body makes antibodies to fight an illness, those antibodies go to the baby through your breast milk.
Can I take Robitussin DM 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 are okay to take while breastfeeding.
Can I breastfeed on DayQuil?
It's best not to take Dayquil or Nyquil while breastfeeding.
Can take DayQuil while breastfeeding?
Medications to Avoid Ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding include: Alcohol: Some remedies have alcohol to help you sleep, so skip those. DayQuil: DayQuil contains dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and phenylephrine, a decongestant, which can reduce your milk supply.
Does Nyquil pass through breast milk?
It is best to avoid taking liquid NyQuil as it contains alcohol, which can pass to the baby through the breast milk, and there are concerns about other active ingredients as well.
What is the most commonly used cough suppressant?
Delsym (Dextromethorphan) Dextromethorphan is the most commonly used over the counter cough suppressant. There is limited data available regarding the use of the medication in breast feeding women unfortunately.
Can you take supplements while pregnant?
Many medications and supplements carry risk during pregnancy and for those breastfeeding. It is always a good idea to look into any medication you are considering using and weighting the risks and benefits before use.
Can you take mucinex while breastfeeding?
Mucinex is available as a stand alone product or in combination with other drugs such as dextromethorphan. It can help to reduce chest congestion and excess mucus. Like dextromethorphan, there is a lack of data available regarding use in breast feeding woman. Per the manufacturer of Mucinex, it should be used cautiously in those breast feeding due to the drug not being formally studied in that regard. According to LactMed, a drug and lactation database, It is unlikely that regular doses of guaifenesin would cause harm to an infant. Make sure to avoid alcohol containing products however.
How to help a baby with a cough while breastfeeding?
Garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial components which are essential in treating coughs. Boil 2-3 cloves of garlic in a cup of water then add a teaspoonful of oregano. Allow the mixture to cool and add some honey before drinking it. The solution will help in improving your breathing and alleviating cough symptoms.
What to drink to help with cough?
Hot Milk with Honey. Mixing hot milk with honey can help relieve a dry cough and it reduces chest pains due to continuous dry coughing. For the best result, it is vital that you drink the solution before you sleep. Honey has analgesic properties which will soothe your throat and help clear mucus.
What is the effect of decongestants on milk supply?
Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine will reduce milk supply, especially during the stage of lactation. In addition, oral decongestants also pass on to the milk in small amounts, which can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, and restlessness of the baby.
How to cure cough with lemon?
Lemons contain components that reduce inflammation and they contain an infection-fighting vitamin C. You can make a simple cough syrup by combining a tablespoon of honey and two teaspoonfuls of lemon juice. Take this solution 3-4 times a day.
How to treat dry cough?
Measure and boil a half cup of water in a pot, add a teaspoonful of turmeric powder and a teaspoonful of black pepper. You may include cinnamon sticks if you like. Boil the contents for 2-3 minutes. Add a teaspoonful honey. Drink it everyday until the condition improves greatly.
Why is it important to know the right medication while breastfeeding?
It is important to know the right medication while breastfeeding because wrong medication will reduce milk supply or have an impact on the growth and development of the baby. But many medicines are safe to use while breast-feeding.
How to minimize the effects of medicines on a baby?
The following tips can help minimize the effects of medicines on the baby. 1. Take Short-Acting Medications. It is recommended that you take cough medicine while breastfeeding that can be eliminated by the body quickly.
How to relieve a cold?
Maybe you’re wary about chemical compounds. Or maybe your symptoms are on the mild side and you want to try something natural first. Natural remedies can be a great way to help relieve the symptoms of a cold, making you more comfortable and maybe even shorten its duration. Here’s what you can do: 1. Rest.
How much water should a breastfeeding mom drink?
It’s recommended that breastfeeding moms drink approximately three liters of fluid each day, but don’t be discouraged by that number. You don’t have to drink only but water from morning to night!
Why do we need fluids when we are sick?
When we’re sick, we often don’t feel hungry or thirsty; but, our bodies need a certain amount of fluid each day to clear toxins and function in a normal manner. Staying hydrated can also help with symptoms such as nausea and fever and help to clear secretions.
How does zinc help with colds?
Zinc works by stopping the rhinovirus from multiplying. In many cases, zinc has been shown to reduce the duration of a cold by up to a day, especially when taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms starting (10).
Can you have a cold while breastfeeding?
Having a cold at any time in your life can be miserable, but treating one while nursing is a unique experience. Every single thing you put in your body has the potential to affect your baby — we know that can be nerve-wracking. In this article, we discuss some of the safe cold remedies to take during breastfeeding.
Is Tylenol safe for a newborn?
Don’t fret though! While things such as aspirin and cough suppressants should be avoided, others like Tylenol are safe.
Can I Breastfeed While Sick?
Yes, you can breastfeed even if you're sick. Breastfeeding while sick is still healthy for you and your baby. Continuing to breastfeed is also a good reminder to keep yourself fully hydrated. You need ample hydration to make breast milk, and it also helps relieve symptoms.
Cold and Allergy Medicine Safe for Breastfeeding
The following medicines are considered safe for nursing parents, but it's always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider or pediatrician before taking any new medications. Some medications can reduce your milk supply. 3
Medications to Avoid
The following are not recommended for nursing parents. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking any new medications, because some medications can reduce your breast milk supply or affect your baby's sleep. 3
Alternative Cold Medicines and Remedies
In addition to common over-the-counter (OTC) medications, some alternative remedies can help treat symptoms of common illnesses (like colds), such as:
Summary
There are a number of OTC and prescription medications available to treat colds and the flu. Some, in small doses and for a short period of time, may be safe, while others can have side effects for both the breastfeeding parent and the baby. The best way to know if a medication is safe for use is to check with a healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Breastfeeding your baby can be a very rewarding and bonding experience, but having a cold or the flu can impact your routine. The best way to get better is to stay calm, rest, and hydrate often.
