BF and sick...what medicine to take

[NatalieM]

Unfortunately, I've come down with an awful cold (congested, sore throat and earache). I haven't taken anything yet, b/c I am petrified of it affecting my DD and my milk supply. Does anyone know of something I can take that is safe for baby and my milk! TIA-

[funda62]

If you can tough it out, try to stay away from otc cold meds. They almost all contain large amounts of alcohol which can carry over to your milk. Chicken soup, plenty of juice and water, hot tea with lemon and honey (decaf) is always good as well. You might be able to get some eardrops from your doc (probably they can call it in so you don't have to be seen) for pain. Remember that colds usually only last 5-7 days so it won't be awful forever!

Get well soon.

[kelly ann]

Natalie-

I always try to tough it out. I think you may be able to take some kind of Robitussin, but call your OB to find out which one. I believe you can't take the CF one.

Try some saline drops for the congestion in the nose.

Hope you feel better.

[bensmom]

I've taken Sudafed and Robitussin (?) DM while pregnant. I believe that they're fine while breastfeeding too. I also took Benedryl when DS was 1 week old and it was fine, other than making baby a little sleepy.

Here's what Dr. Sears has to say:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T028800.asp

Feel better!

ETA: my OB said all of these were fine, but stressed the "DM" part of the cough medicine.

[jerseygirl07067]

Hi Natalie,

I had to deal with what you're going through for rwo whole weeks! While a lot of the OTC meds for colds, etc, are technically safe during breastfeeding, the active ingredient, pseudoephedrine, can diminish your supply. So just make sure to check the labels. At least that is what I was told that by two lactation consultants. I had taken three doses of the stuff and then just decided to lay off after hearing that. I believe that kellymom.com has a list of ones you can safely take.

I will say that my supply DID go down the second day I was sick, but I wound up pumping after most of the feeding sessions, at the advice of the LCs I spoke with, to bring the supply back up. I am relieved to say the least. It worked like a charm and now I have a bit of oversupply, but that's okay with me. It's amazing how it was just there one day and gone the next, but know that you can easily get it back up with a little extra effort.

Just rest, that is the most important thing, eat well, and try to drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated.

Feel better soon.

Marcy

[calebsmama03]

Most docs don't know (ped, OB or otherwise) unless they have a copy of "Medications and Mothers Milk" by Thomas Hale. Any good lactation dept at a hospital should have a copy and should be willing to tell you what he says is safe. Also, www.kellymom.com has a great section with links about what is safe to use while BFIng. Go to the "is this safe" section and find the medication part. She even links to Hale's website, I think.

ETA to definitely avoid pseudaphedrin (sp?) - one dose can decrease supply 25%!! This is what my OB AND ped always recommended to take too :( Homeopathy is safe so you could visit whole foods and try something. Boiron makes some blends for colds, flu, etc. Unless I was entirely miserable I never bothered taking anything.
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
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And Miss Purple, 5/05