My 2 month old son and I went to visit my parents for Easter and both got colds from either the airport or my little cousin! I'm breastfeeding him and was just wondering if anyone knew what if any cold meds were ok for me to take (cough syrup, cough drops, something like advil cold and sinus, any natural medications, etc). Thanks :)
Thank you all :) I think I actually managed to get through the worst of it without any meds, so I'm going to try to hold out! My son is recovering faster than I am, but I don't think I'm too far behind him. Thanks all for the info!!
You can take pretty much any cold meds while breast feeding. I would always take them right after feeding my baby so they had a few hours to go through my system before the next feeding.
All cough drops are fine. The only syrup I take while breastfeeding and have a cold is robitussin. You could ask your son's pediatrician or your ob what you can take.
Ask the pharmisist in person. I took a cough suppresent back in my nursing day but I don't remember which one. You have to get one without a certain ingredient.
I always liked Tylenol Cold and Cough because it let me sleep. I do know my doctor preferred I not take it while pregnant or nursing due to the cough suppresent in it. There are other cough syrups that contain another cough suppresent that is okay. Sudafed PE is not okay, but regular old Sudafed behind the counter is okay. HOpe you feel better soon!
I would just call your OBGYN and ask to be safe. I know it is like an hour or two hours before you can breast feed I think after taking something like that.
Every time I get a cold I forget what to do and call my mom. Now that I don't have one, I can actually remember what she says. Lots of fluid- especially teas with lemon and honey which are both good for the throat. You can gargle with salt water if you have a sore throat. A humidifier is great, and steaming in the shower or tub to loosen everything up and get it flowing. I got the California Baby cold and flu bubble bath that is nice. It has essential oils like fir and eucalyptus to help clear everything out as well. I also pound my chest while in the shower to break up congestion (you can do all this with the baby also- just lay your hand on his back and then pound with your other fist onto your hand). You can do tea tree oil or eucalyptus on the bottom of your feet at night to help with congestion and cough. I also put a little on my upper chest during the day before nursing, just make sure you put it in some lotion or oil to dilute it, especially on the baby. There are a lot of good homeopathic remedies that you can take and give the baby- just go to the health food store and ask- they do it by symptoms. Also, you can take a little robitusin or the generic brand, the active ingredient is the same, and just take it right after you breastfeed.
Hope you feel better.
Dear J.,
Just a note about medications and breastfeeding- my husband and I found this great resource: Medications and Mothers' Milk, that comes out yearly. It may be something you can check out from the library (ours cost $29.95 in 2004). There is also a website, free info :), that is called motherrisk.com. I hope you and your son are feeling better, soon. Lots of fluids!
Good luck,
H.
