S.P. asks from Conroe, TX on July 27, 2008
Breast Feeding and a Summer Cold
I have a cold. Sneezing, coughing, drippy nose, and dull ache in head. I am also breastfeeding my beautiful new son (11 weeks old now). I do not want him to get sick and was told the best thing to do was to just keep breastfeeding him; that is, that my milk was his best bet for him. However, I am miserable! I do not want to drag this cold out. I have been trying to find something I can take; however everything seems to either dry up my milk supply or is passed to the little guy. I have no problem calling my OB/GYN tomorrow; however, I would really like to know what other mothers have done!
So What Happened?™
Called OB and Pedi...got a z-pack for me and an appointment for baby Gabe. He is fine!!! Thank you all!
More Answers
H.S. answers from Houston on July 28, 2008
Definitely call either your OB or your son's Pedi. Whenever I have a cold, I drink lots of OJ and get lots of rest. When my daugher was younger, I would just take her into the bed with me so I could nurse on demand and still get some rest.
You could also try taking (and I'd confirm this with the doctors, since each one seems to have a slightly different opinion) Sudafed or Tylenol Cold. Those were both approved for me. Yes, it does have the risk of drying up your milk supply, but my doctors had told me to increase the fluids I was taking in (which you should be doing anyway for a cold) and that would keep my supply up. I took the minimum amount of medication I could get away with and not be miserable (i.e. I'd try with 1/2 dose and not take it again until I felt I really needed some more medication). My daughter's Pedi also brought up the point that being miserable and staying sick can also decrease your supply, so it's better to take in some medication, counter it with the water / juice, than to be miserable.
Feel better soon!
D.P. answers from Houston on July 28, 2008
Try ColdMD, it is homeopathic and will not hurt the baby. Also a blend of tea tree, lavender and eucalyptus essential oils in equal amounts(on you not the baby, he will get enough in him from smelling you) diluted to 10% in a base oil like sweet almond. I do sell this but it is also available at any health food store. Using this blend has kept my baby from getting any of my illnesses (i have been ill about 5 times since he was born) D. Purce, Natural Serenity, ###-###-####
S.W. answers from Houston on July 28, 2008
Keep breastfeeding and do not supplement with artificial milk. Try chicken noodle soup and go to bed extra early. This too shall pass.
J.G. answers from Houston on July 28, 2008
I was told to take Clariton for the same symptoms when I was BF my infant. I did take it and it helped and my daughter wasn't effected. Good luck. Hang in there. It is best to keep breastfeeding because you are giving your son antibodies so that he can fight off whatever you have. Hopefully he won't get it.
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