BREASTFEEDING WITH A COLD - HOW TO SAFELY SURVIVE

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BREASTFEEDING WITH A COLD – HOW TO SAFELY SURVIVE

One minute you are fine. The next minute you are starting to feel that scratchy throat sensation. You sneeze, your nose starts to run, and then you are in the clutches of a full-blown cold.

Nobody likes being sick. Breastfeeding with a cold presents an additional concern.

Breastfeeding moms have not only themselves to think about. They also worry about how their cold can affect their breastfeeding baby.

You may be asking Dr. Google what cold medicines are safe when you are breastfeeding? Can your baby catch your cold if he breastfeeds when you are sick? What kind of alternative and natural remedies can you use for your cold?

If you want answers to these questions then you have landed in the right spot!

I am going to answer all your questions about having a cold while breastfeeding.

WHAT COLD MEDICINE IS SAFE TO TAKE WHILE BREASTFEEDING?

How to Safely Survive a cold while breastfeeding

No mama wants to do anything that is dangerous to her baby. But the symptoms that come with that crummy cold virus make you feel miserable. You want some relief!

There are two things to keep in mind with breastfeeding and safety of medications:

Most medications do transfer into breast milk to some degree.
Very few medications are completely contraindicated with breastfeeding.

For more information on medications and breastfeeding be sure to check the Infant Risk Center.

The MommyMeds app is a great resource too.

You can also call a lactation consultant. She will usually have a copy of Medications and Mother’s Milk, which has information about every drug and and risk while breastfeeding.

Drugs for body aches and headaches

Ibuprofen (Advil) and Acetominophen (Tylenol) are both ok to take when breastfeeding.

BREASTFEEDING WITH A COLD – HOW TO SAFELY SURVIVE

Drugs for Cough and Congestion

Guaifenesin (Mucinex) is an expectorant. It is supposed to loosen the secretions (aka: crud) in your respiratory tract. It is not known to cause any harmful side effects in infants. However, it’s effectiveness is up for debate.
Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Drugs with the name “Tussin” and other names) helps to decrease coughing. It does not transfer into breast milk in large amounts and is considered to be low risk.
Non-sedating antihistamines like Zyrtec, Claritin and Allegra are all considered to be low risk for breastfeeding babies. They also do not affect a mom’s milk supply.
Phenylephrine is the medication in a lot of nasal sprays.
- How much of this medication appears in milk has not been reported, but there is a reason this drug is in a nasal spray. It would not be well absorbed if taken orally.
- If it did appear in breastmilk it is unlikely it would affect a baby negatively.
- Nasal sprays have been known to cause rebound congestion in people who use them. These may not be a good choice for mom herself.

WHAT COLD MEDICINES TO AVOID WHILE BREASTFEEDING

There are some cold medications you should avoid when you are breastfeeding.

Don’t take anything with pseudoephedrine in it. This drug can decrease milk supply (Source).

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It is effective but can cause drowsiness in both moms and babies. It is a common ingredient in cold medications.milk it is unlikely it would affect a baby negatively.

Nasal sprays have been known to cause rebound congestion in people who use them. These may not be a good choice for mom herself.

NATURAL COLD REMEDIES WHILE BREASTFEEDING

I encourage you to try things that have no risk and can provide good relief.

Neti-pots can help relieve congestion. Make sure you use distilled water or water that has been boiled and cooled. This will eliminate the risk from bacteria and other organisms that is in regular tap water (Source).
Salt water rinses are very effective for a sore throat. Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water and gargle with it. Yes, it’s gross, but it is usually the most effective thing you can do for a sore throat.
Drink lots of warm things.
- Some people swear by Ecchinachea and Celestial Seasonings Ecchinachea Sleepytime tea is tasty. Warm water with lemon and honey is another drink that is tried and true for relieving cold symptoms.
There is a reason that chicken soup is one of the oldest remedies for a cold.
Keep some Zinc lozenges in your medicine cabinet.
- Research showed that 75 mg resulted in a shorter duration of cold symptoms. You will want to take them as soon as your symptoms start. Take them with food to help prevent stomach irritation.

Homeopathic remedies for cold symptoms:

Use a humidifier.

Essential oils can help support a healthy immune system and also can help with cold symptoms.

Related Post

Essential Oils For Nursing Moms

MY SECRET WEAPON WHEN I FEEL LIKE I’M GETTING A COLD

Whenever I feel like I am coming down with a cold or flu I always take the homeopathic Oscillococcinum. This stuff works so well. I don’t get sick 90% of the time. Those times when I do get sick it doens’t last for very long.

It is a vial of tiny pellets that are sweet. You pour them under your tongue and let them dissolve. Don’t touch the pellets, just pour it directly into your mouth.

I used to have to go to a place like Whole Foods to get it. It has become mainstream now and you can get it at Target, Walgreens, just about everywhere.

I always have several doses in my medicine cabinet.

CAN A BABY CATCH A COLD FROM BREASTFEEDING?

Moms get sick. It is very rare for a mom to have to stop breastfeeding. Like, super rare.

In fact, a mom’s breastmilk changes when she gets sick and this helps protect her baby (Source). This also happens if a baby starts to get sick.

It’s one of those really amazing things about breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding mothers have reported their breast milk actually looks different when they or their baby are starting to get sick. That is because there is more of the anti-infective properties being made in the milk.

Keep breastfeeding if you have a cold! This will help protect your baby from getting sick also.