breastfeeding and sinus infections

Jennifer - posted on 01/17/2009

I just recently had the stomach flu (along with everyone else in my fam) and the lactation consultant told me that you cannot pass along the virus through breastmilk that you actually pass all the antibodies to them.  I guess that is why he was the only one that didn't get sick!!  Just another benefit of breastmilk!!

Shae - posted on 01/16/2009

Just whatever you do, don't take a decongestant!  That can dry up your milk!  I was thinking the same thing when I came down with a nasty cold when my baby was just 1 month old.  I forgot what I could take and couldn't take.  I am glad that I had asked someone, because I totally would have taken the decongestant; but after being told "no", it made sense to me, since taking that "dries" up your sinuses to help you feel better, it also dries up anything else...like breastmilk!

Gretchen - posted on 01/16/2009

I am going through the same things myself Becca. I've had a sore throat more or less for 3 weeks and have been really stuffed up lately. One thing I tried over new years and would NOT recommend is Nyquil. I was so miserable that I took some to relieve my symptoms. After I swallowed it I wondered if it would affect my milk. The next day from 8am-4pm whenever my daughter would drink my milk, it would come back up. The neti pot sounds interesting, I'll have to check into that. I am currently on Amoxicillin 875mg, twice a day prescribed by a doctor for sinus congestion.

Shanyn - posted on 01/16/2009

Taking over the counter decongestants can significantly dry out your breast milk. So I would really be careful with those. The Neti Pot is a great recommendation! There are some antibiotics that are safe while breastfeeding, just talk to your doc about your options. And I would agree with Kari that your little one is not in huge danger of getting this from you. Your antibodies are protecting him so just focus on making yourself well. Hang in there and take good care!

Kari - posted on 01/16/2009

Don't worry your little one wont get! Your passing wonderful antibodies that your body is using to fight this off through your milk and the chances of him catching it are slim. I am sure you are miserable try breathing over a warm humidifier to simply clear your nose and a hot shower usually does the trick. Depending on what you have (yes you probably need to go to the doctor) a Z-pack is safe and there are several alternatives of antibiotics that you can take safely while BF. Remember to tell your doctor that you are BF and to make sure anything she/he gives you is safe. You can also check yourself at KellyMom.com

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/cold...


Good luck and feel better!

Krista - posted on 01/16/2009

Have you tried the neti poting... I have been using mine now for over a year...I was always having sinus infections and have mulitple allergies that cause severe cingestiona d runny nose etc. But honestly after I have been using the neti pot now once a day Ihave had no  issues at all. I am breatfeeding also and this was a sure way to keep my sinus' clear with out passing anything on to my daughter.