Choosing to take cough syrup or a decongestant when you’re sick doesn’t usually qualify as a major decision. You’re feeling unwell, so you take immediate action—no second guessing required. But when you’re breastfeeding, taking any medication can feel like a big deal. Should you skip the pills and keep feeling miserable—or get some relief and give baby a side of Sudafed? Show
Turns out, the choice of whether to take cold medicine while breastfeeding doesn’t have to be fraught. While some drugs do come with possible side effects, most are considered safe. Read on to learn which cold meds are okay to take when you’re nursing, and which ones you should avoid—plus answers to all your burning questions about breastfeeding when you’re sick. Don’t worry, you aren’t putting baby at risk by nursing when you’re feeling unwell. “Not only is it safe to continue breastfeeding while you’re sick, it’s actually a really good idea to do so,” says [Chrisie Rosenthal], IBCLC, a Los Angeles-based lactation consultant. It’s understandable that you might worry about possibly transmitting your germs to baby by continuing to nurse. After all, breastfeeding is all about close contact and the sharing of bodily fluids. Here’s the thing: By the time you notice your symptoms coming on, baby has already been exposed. And breastfeeding can actually help them stay healthy—or, at least, get better quicker—since your milk serves up protective antibodies designed to fight off an infection, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Continuing to breastfeed through a cold or virus also helps ensure that your supply doesn’t take a dip. Remember, milk production is all about supply and demand, and stopping nursing for a day or two could send your body the signal to start making less since baby isn’t eating as much, notes La Leche League. That’s not to say it’s going to be easy. Catering to the whims of another person’s hunger 24/7 is always a big job—and it’s even harder when you feel like garbage. Drinking plenty of clear fluids like water, tea or chicken broth can help. Being sick makes you prone to dehydration, and a steady stream of liquids can help you feel better and keep up your milk supply, which can drop when you don’t drink enough. Finally, try to rest when you can. “Bring in support if possible so you can get that extra sleep,” Rosenthal says. Ask a family member or friend to come by for a few hours during the day so you can nap between feedings—or have your partner take over so you can get to bed early. Cold Medicines That Are Safe For BreastfeedingIf you’re worriedly asking yourself: “What cold medicine can I take while breastfeeding?” rest assured that we’ve got good news. It turns out, you have more options than you probably think. While it’s always a good idea to discuss the risks and benefits of taking any medication with your doctor, ultimately, the majority of over-the-counter drugs are safe to take, according to the AAP and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wondering if the ingredients in a medication can be transferred through your breast milk? The short answer is yes. But most won’t have a negative impact on your little one, notes the CDC. “Milk supply is actually a bigger concern than transfer of medication to baby,” says Rebekah Diamond, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, and the author of Parent Like a Pediatrician. That’s because medications designed to dry up mucus, like some decongestants and cough medicines, can sometimes also have a drying effect throughout the rest of your body, she adds. But even then, it’s not like taking a dose or two of a decongestant or cough suppressant is going to completely turn off your milk production. “I’ve never seen them have an immediate, dramatic effect,” says Rosenthal. “I’d be concerned if someone was using those medications for long periods. But with a one-time use, it’s not like your milk is going to be gone tomorrow.” (And if it does taper down a bit, there are ways to bring it back up.) So which cold meds get the green light? According to the National Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), these OTC options are generally considered safe for breastfeeding moms and their babies: Safe decongestants for breastfeeding moms
Safe pain relievers for breastfeeding moms
Safe antihistamines for breastfeeding moms
Cold Medicines to Avoid While BreastfeedingA handful of cold medicines come with more risks than benefits for breastfeeding moms and babies. That’s not to say they’re 100 percent off limits: “There’s no such thing as ‘always safe’ and ‘never safe.’ It depends on the situation,” says Diamond. But if you’re considering taking one of these, it’s crucial to talk about the pros and cons with your doctor first:
Tips For Taking Cold Medicine While BreastfeedingDo you need to pump and dump? When’s the best time to dose? If you opt to take an over-the-counter cold medicine while breastfeeding, keep these tips in mind:
Cold Remedies That Are Safe For BreastfeedingDon’t want to take a cold medicine while breastfeeding—or want to see if you can curb symptoms before popping a pill? There are plenty of natural ways to manage your symptoms too. Whether you opt to take a cold medicine or not, these home remedies recommended by the Mayo Clinic can help you find relief:
Taking a safe cold medicine while breastfeeding can give you relief and help you function better—so that you can take care of baby. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your supply or baby’s exposure to certain active ingredients. About the experts: Rebekah Diamond, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, and author of Parent Like a Pediatrician. She earned her medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Chrisie Rosenthal, IBCLC, is a Los Angeles-based lactation consultant and manager at The Lactation Network. Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances. Plus, from The Bump: Can I take Tylenol Cough and cold while breastfeeding?Is it safe to take acetaminophen while breastfeeding? Acetaminophen, the medicine found in Tylenol, has been well studied in breastfeeding moms. Very small amounts of the drug pass into the breastmilk, but it's not enough that it affects the baby, and it doesn't affect your milk supply.
Can you take cold and flu while breastfeeding?Breastfeeding mothers should avoid any cold or flu tablets containing pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine. These can make the baby unsettled. Pseudoephedrine has been known to decrease milk supply.
Which Tylenol can I take while breastfeeding?Most over-the-counter (also called OTC) medicine, like pain relievers and cold medicine, are OK to take when you're breastfeeding. For example, OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil®) or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) are safe to use when breastfeeding.
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