Natural Cold Remedies When Breastfeeding
- Rest. When you have a cold, your immune system is in overdrive trying to fight off the virus. ...
- Humidifier. Vaporizers and humidifiers add moisture to the air, which may help with the cough or itchy throat that can come with illness.
- Zinc. Zinc gluconate is a commonly recommended cold remedy, considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Zinc works by stopping the rhinovirus from multiplying.
- Neti Pot. Neti pot devices look like little teapots. Don’t grab the milk and sugar just yet — you’re not going to want to drink out of this one!
- Hydration. 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 ...
What foods and medicines are safe to have while breastfeeding?
What Foods and Medicines Are Safe to Have While Breastfeeding
- Benadryl / Allergy Medicine. The main ingredient in Benadryl and most allergy medicines is diphenhydramine. ...
- Claritin. Claritin is another allergy medication and it is generally safe while breastfeeding. ...
- Protein Powder/Protein Supplements. ...
- Dayquil. ...
- Stool Softener. ...
- Plexus. ...
- Phenylephrine. ...
- Flonase. ...
- Protein Shakes. ...
- Detoxes. ...
What can I take for cold medicines while breastfeeding?
Yes, some safe cold medicines to take while breastfeeding include:
- cough & sore throat medicines
- fever, inflammation and pain medicines during cold or flu
- pain meds for cold
- an antibiotic for cold — amoxicillin
- antihistamines
Is it safe to take cold medicine while breastfeeding?
Most cold medicines are considered safe to take while breastfeeding, but since they do enter your milk in small quantities, follow these smart steps to make sure the remedies you take are also safe for baby.
Can you take cold Meds while brestfeeding?
Yes, some safe cold medicines to take while breastfeeding include: Many drugs/medicines are unsafe to be taken while nursing. Some of them have been discussed below: Cold and flu medications containing phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are not recommended. Pseudoephedrine can lower the amount of breastmilk a woman’s body can make.
What not to take for a cold while breastfeeding?
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): This drug may cause sleepiness, and prolonged use may decrease your milk supply. Breastfeeding babies can also become drowsy or irritable. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed): Decongestants that contain phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can dry up milk supply.
Does common cold affect breast milk supply?
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.
Is Neozep safe for breastfeeding mom?
Do not take Neozep® if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor regarding your ailment.
Can my baby catch my cold?
Someone with a cold who touches your baby's hand can spread the cold virus to your baby, who can become infected after touching his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Contaminated surfaces. Some viruses live on surfaces for two hours or longer. Your baby may catch a virus by touching a contaminated surface, such as a toy.
Should I stay away from my baby if I have a cold?
Staying away from newborns when you're sick is the safest option. Try to avoid visiting babies while you have a fever, cough and cold symptoms or diarrhea. It may not be possible to distance yourself if you're a baby's sole childcare provider. Use extra caution if you must care for a baby when you're sick.
Is Bioflu safe for breastfeeding?
Is Bioflu® safe for pregnant or breastfeeding moms? Bioflu® is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. As a general precaution, we strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before taking medicines especially if you are pregnant or breasfeeding.
Is Decolgen Forte safe for breastfeeding mom?
These medicines are contraindicated if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I use Vicks 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.
Prescription Antibiotics & Steroids
Antibiotics prescription only (typically L1-L2): In general, it is safe to breastfeed while on a short course (<14 days of antibiotics). These medications typically transfer into milk in acceptable amounts. Some infants can be sensitive to even small amounts in their GI tract, causing diarrhea.
Pain & Fever (analgesics and antipyretics)
Ibuprofen (L1): The transfer of ibuprofen in breast milk is well studied as it is a common choice for postpartum pain. Very little of this medication makes it into the milk (about 0.6% of the mother’s dose).
Cough & Chest Congestion
Benzocaine (L2): Numbing Agent. Temporarily relieves pain associated with itching, sore throat. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies or case reports in breastfeeding women.
Allergies & Sinus Congestion
Diphenhydramine (L2): Antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used in cough, cold, sinus, and allergy formulations. It is also the main component in many sleep aids, including “nighttime” versions of cold medications, as well as motion sickness pills.
Sleep
Diphenhydramine (L2): Antihistamine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used in cough, cold, sinus, and allergy formulations. It is used to dry up secretions. Sedation is an unwanted side effect when using it as an allergy medication, but can be an advantage to help with sleep.
Nasal sprays
Nasal Saline Irrigation (L1): Using salt water to irrigate the nose and sinuses is a practice dating back thousands of years. In modern pharmacies, saline is available in nasal sprays and nasal rinses, as well as mineral packets for home reconstitution.
Herbal & Nutritional Supplements
Zinc nutritional supplement (L2). Zinc can be used topically or ingested, and is usually not harmful when breastfeeding an older infant. However, doses of zinc in cold remedies can be in excess of what is 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.
How long does it take for a cold to go away while breastfeeding?
Cold and Allergy Remedies Compatible with Breastfeeding. The common cold will usually run its course within 7 to 14 days. There are many natural remedies and over the counter products that are compatible with breastfeeding. Image credit: Jerry Bunker on flickr.
How to get a nursing mom to stop nursing?
General. Rest. Drink lots of water and take hot baths. Run a humidifier. 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. Raw is always best, though it’s hardest to get down.
How to get rid of a sore throat?
Sore, itchy throat and/or cough. Drink strong black tea (use 2 tea bags per cup). Drink hot lemonade with honey. Or make a mixture of one part lemon juice and two parts honey. Sip throughout the day. Drink fenugreek tea to relieve head and chest congestion and cough.
How to get rid of congestion in the head?
Head congestion. Use a saline nasal spray. Steam treatments : Boil a pot of water, remove from the stove and (optional) add a few drops of essential oils (for example: eucalyptus, sage and balsam). Drape a bath towel over your head and breathe deeply for 5 minutes. Do this 2 or 3x a day until symptoms subside.
What to do if your nose is swollen?
Essential Oils: Place a drop or two of either eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil on a cotton ball or handkerchief and hold near the nose while breathing deeply. A couple of cautions: Do not use the oil in the nose – it can cause swelling.
Is zinc good for breastfeeding?
Zinc is considered compatible with breastfeeding, particularly in small amounts (excessive amounts are not a good idea, for mom’s sake rather than baby’s). The amount of systemic absorption of nasal sprays/gels is minimal compared to oral ingestion.
Can you breastfeed with nasal spray?
Nasal sprays are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Decongestant nasal sprays are generally for short-term use (3-7 days) only; consult your health care provider and the package instructions for specific information. Of the preparations available for treatment of allergic symptoms, corticosteroid nasal sprays (e.g., Flonase, ...
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 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).
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.
What happens when you have a cold?
Rest. When you have a cold, your immune system is in overdrive trying to fight off the virus. This can be nothing short of exhausting — especially if you’re up in the middle of the night with baby! While you’re sleeping, your body is not only recharging; it’s also actively fighting off the infection.
Can you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?
Generally, antihistamines are safe for breastfeeding mothers and can help with your runny nose and sneezing. Still, you should choose non-sedating antihistamines over the sedating variety. Sedating antihistamines have been known to cause sleepiness in both you and baby.
Is codeine safe for breastfeeding?
Codeine: Not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. This is because mothers are ultra-fast metabolizers (4). Metabolizers turn codeine into morphine at a rapid rate, and this can result in morphine being administered to your baby with dangerous results. Benzonatate: Benzonatate has not been proven harmful to milk supply or breastfeeding babies (5).
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.
Does cough and cold contain alcohol?
It is important to note that many of the liquid cough and cold products contain alcohol. In addition, many of the combination products are a mixture of an antihistamine and a decongestant and may also contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or caffeine.
Can breastfeeding mothers take ibuprofen?
It is preferable for nur sing mothers to only take medications that are necessary and to avoid such combination products. The AAP considers alcohol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and caffeine compatible with breastfeeding.
Can you use cough and cold during breastfeeding?
Use of cough and cold preparations during breastfeeding. Adverse reactions in infants from maternal drug ingestion depend largely on the amount of milk consumed by the infant, timing of breastfeeding in relation to dosing, dose of the medication, dosing interval, and duration of therapy.
Should I take cough medicine while breastfeeding?
When taking medications, breastfeeding mothers should be instructed to take their medication after breastfeeding, at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration. Overall, there are few data from human studies on the use of antihistamines, decongestants, and cough products during breastfeeding.
Can you breastfeed with triprolidine?
Studies of pseudoephedrine, triprolidine, and loratadine in humans conclude that low levels of each drug would reach a breastfed infant. Since triprolidine and pseudoephedrine are also considered compatible with breastfeeding by the AAP, these 2 drugs should be the first-line choices.
What is the best treatment for colds and flu?
Vitamin and herbal treatments are popular for the treatment of colds and flu. There is variable evidence on the effectiveness of many of these preparations and even less information about their safety in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can you breastfeed a baby with a cold?
Continue to breastfeed your baby during your cold, as your baby will receive some protection from antibodies in your breast milk. As a general rule, it is best to breastfeed your baby first and then take medication.
How to give a baby breast milk if it's too sick?
If the baby is too sick to breastfeed, expressed breast milk can be given from a cup, bottle, syringe, or eyedropper. Run a cool mist vaporizer near where baby sleeps. Take baby into the bathroom after you have filled the room with steam from the shower. Use a nasal aspirator to suction mucus from baby’s nostrils.
How to prevent a mother from passing a sickness to her baby?
When mother is sick, there are a few steps she can take to reduce the chance of passing the illness to her baby, such as washing her hands frequently, and trying not to cough or sneeze on the baby while nursing or whenever baby is close.
How to help a baby's nose?
If baby’s nose is too stuffy to breastfeed, suggestions include: 1,2 1 Run a cool mist vaporizer near where baby sleeps. 2 Take baby into the bathroom after you have filled the room with steam from the shower. 3 Use a nasal aspirator to suction mucus from baby’s nostrils. Squeeze the bulb first, insert the tip into baby’s nose, and then slowly release the bulb so the suction gently pulls out excess mucus. Mom’s health-care provider can show her how to use a nose spray or do nasal suctioning, if she hasn't already been instructed in these techniques.
Why is milk important for infants?
Mature milk continues to protect infants from many diseases and strengthens the immune system. Babies who are not breastfed have a higher risk of contracting bacterial infections, such as E. coli and salmonella; viral infections, such as influenza and rotavirus; as well as parasites. One of the most amazing qualities of human milk is how it adapts.
What to do when a baby gets sick?
When baby does get sick, one of the best things a mother can do is keep breastfeeding. Babies who are ill need to keep up their fluid intake, especially if there is vomiting or diarrhea. Breastfeeding should continue as usual, and there is rarely a need to replace or supplement human milk with water, juice, or Pedialyte.
How to get mucus out of a baby's nose?
Take baby into the bathroom after you have filled the room with steam from the shower. Use a nasal aspirator to suction mucus from baby ’s nostrils. Squeeze the bulb first, insert the tip into baby’s nose, and then slowly release the bulb so the suction gently pulls out excess mucus.
Does breast milk help with illness?
Evidence shows that breastfed babies have considerable protection from such illnesses, and when they do become ill, relief can come directly from mother’s milk. Colostrum, the early milk a breastfed newborn receives for a few days after birth, contains highly concentrated antibodies that protect against many diseases.
How to help an older baby with cold?
To make your baby as comfortable as possible, try some of these suggestions: Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration. Formula or breast milk is the best choice. Encourage your baby to take in the usual amount of fluids.
What is the best medicine for fever in children?
For treatment of fever or pain in children, consider giving your child infants' or children's over-the-counter fever and pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). These are safer alternatives to aspirin.
How to get mucus out of a baby's nose?
Release the bulb, holding it in place while it suctions the mucus from your baby's nose. Remove the syringe from your baby's nostril and empty the contents onto a tissue by squeezing the bulb rapidly while holding the tip down. Repeat as often as needed for each nostril. Clean the bulb syringe with soap and water.
How to keep a baby's nose clear?
If you're breastfeeding your baby, keep it up. Breast milk offers extra protection from cold-causing germs. Suction your baby's nose. Keep your baby's nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe. Squeeze the bulb syringe to expel the air.
How old can a baby be to take ibuprofen?
For children younger than 3 months old, don't give acetaminophen until your baby has been seen by a doctor. Don't give ibuprofen to a child younger than 6 months old or to children who are vomiting constantly or are dehydrated. Use these medications for the shortest time.
How long does it take for a cold to go away?
There's no cure for the common cold. Most cases of the common cold get better without treatment, usually within a week to 10 days, but a cough may linger for a week or more. Antibiotics don't work against cold viruses.
Can you take cough and cold medicine for kids?
Cough and cold medications have potentially serious side effects, including fatal overdoses in children younger than 2 years old. Don't use over-the-counter medicines, except for fever reducers and pain relievers, to treat coughs and colds in children younger than 6 years old. Also consider avoiding use of these medicines for children younger ...
Treatment
Interactions
- Both Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen) are considered compatible with breastfeeding.
Prevention
- Aspirin use is discouraged in children due to the risk of Reyes syndrome. Although the risk is probably low, it is also discouraged in nursing mothers because of the potential risk of Reyes syndrome and bleeding. If you do take pseudoephedrine and notice a drop in milk supply (many moms do not, but research shows that it can decrease milk supply by as much as 24%), simply s…
Usage
- Decongestant nasal sprays are generally for short-term use (3-7 days) only; consult your health care provider and the package instructions for specific information.
Description
- A homeopathic nasal gel, made by Zicam and containing ionic zinc gluconate, was recalled by the US FDA in 2009 because it has been associated with long lasting or permanent loss of smell (anosmia) [this is not related to lactation see the FDA information page and Jafek BW, Linschoten MR, Murrow BW. Anosmia after intranasal zinc gluconate use. Am J Rhinol. 2004 May-Jun;18(3):…
Contraindications
- Pseudoephedrine & milk supply: Thomas Hale Ph. D., a renowned breastfeeding pharmacologist (Breastfeeding Pharmacology), notes that breastfeeding mothers with poor or marginal milk production should be exceedingly cautious in using pseudoephedrine and that it is apparent that mothers in late-stage lactation may be more sensitive to pseudoephedrine and have greater los…
Chemistry
- The ingredients of Claritin, Claritin-D, Clarinex, Allegra, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec are generally regarded to be compatible with breastfeeding (again always double-check the active ingredients). Loratadine (Claritin) has been studied and the amount of loratadine that passes into breastmilk is extremely low. Claritin-D and Allegra-D have the decongestant pseudoephedrine added (see abo…
Risks
- Milk supply: A common concern is that the sedating antihistamines might lower milk supply but, per Dr. Thomas Hale, there is no current research supporting this belief only some anecdotal reports. If you feel that your supply has decreased, it could simply be a byproduct of decreased nursing frequency or dehydration due to your illness.