Safe Cold Medications While Breastfeeding

Updated on May 02, 2008
D.H. asks from Fort Lauderdale, FL
8 answers

I am breastfeeding and my daughter and I both caught a little cold. I am hesitant to take any medication and don't feel terrible, but am finding it difficult to deal with a runny nose while holding/breastfeeding a fussy, sick little one. I have some Actifed left from a bad cold I had while pregnant. Any suggestions? I am just looking for something to dry me up a bit but I would like the least amount of medication (if possible) otherwise I will just deal with it...

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.O.

answers from Miami on

Any Homeopathic meds are okay during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hyland's makes good products. You can find most in Whole Foods.
Be Well & Congratulations!!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.K.

answers from Miami on

Hi D.,

Hope you both feel better real soon. i recommend only taking the advise from your dr. Give his office a call and ask them what is safe for you both.

J.

www.J..myarbonne.com

Natural baby and mom skin care and supplements

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.D.

answers from Port St. Lucie on

Try Mona Vie,(regular) a natural fruit drink that boosts your immune system..... and a netty pot to clean out your nose!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Miami on

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/cold-remedy.html

This is the guide I go by. The information on kellymom is very reputable. Pretty much anything that will dry up your sinuses can affect your milk supply. That's what I would worry about. I would be careful about that if your baby is still 6 weeks old like it says in your info. There's a growth spurt right about now.

Just for your reference, here is a website that you can use to check the safety of any medications you might need to take while breastfeeding:

http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/lact/medicationforumspage.html

Just click guest to enter. Everyone says to check with your doctor before taking something if you're breastfeeding, but I'd be more inclined to go with what's listed on Dr. Hale's website (he has done lots of research on the safety of medications and nursing and his books on the subject are endorsed by La Leche League) than what your doctor says. Most doctors are uninformed about breastfeeding and will tell you to pump and dump or worse, wean, when in many cases it's unnecessary. That's just my 2 cents. I hope you and your daughter feel better soon!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.J.

answers from Miami on

check with your doctor. some cold medicines that were "safe" to take while you were pregnant aren't OK when you're breastfeeding. for example, sudafed. you can take that while pregnant, but if you take it while your breastfeeding, it can affect your milk supply. you said you wanted something to "dry you up" and that's exactly what it can do to your milk as well. :( Just passing on the info I got from my lactation lady when I was nursing and had a cold. i tried different holds and kept a cloth diaper or kleenex close to use on myself. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.R.

answers from Miami on

Try tylenol sinus day and nighttime is fine, I am on it right now and am also breastfeeding. You can take any tylenol product while breastfeeding as long as there is no codine in it. Feel better!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from New York on

D., I breastfed all 3 of my children and unless the symptoms are so bad that you positively cannot function, I would advise you to not take anything at all because most anything you take will affect your breastmilk. Call your doctor, explain that you are breastfeeding and explain your concerns and see what he/she can suggest. I never took anything when I was sick and breastfeeding. Also, call your local Le Leche League. The leader in my area has a handy book will all the drugs that are and are not safe for breastfeeding.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.P.

answers from Boca Raton on

Try Oscillococinum (from Boiron Laboratories). It's the leading homeopathic drug in Europe (you can ask anyone). Absolutely no side effects, good for babies too.
You can find it in Whole Foods or Publix (not exactly cheap, but it worths).

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches