Help! What cold medicine is safe to take while Breastfeeding!

Christy - posted on 01/25/2009

tylenol cold works! don't take nyquill or anything like that. I had the same problem and that's what my doc suggested.

Emily - posted on 01/26/2009

A cold-mist vaporizer (or a hot air one, if you prefer) can really help - some of the hot air ones have a way to put a eucalyptus scent into the machine which really helps.

Try visiting the MotherRisk website (Hospital for Sick Children) www.motherisk.org

You can also call their hotline (# on the website).

Amie - posted on 01/25/2009

I agree with Marie and would add Elderberry (capsules or tincture) to the list. I also know that anything you could take while you are pregnant is safe. I, personally, use Robitussin DM or Mucinex DM. I would STRONGLY caution against anything with a decongestant as they almost dried me up completely, even though the doctor says they are safe to take.

Marie - posted on 01/25/2009

If you are open to alternative methods; Lot's of Echinacea, vitamin D, Vitamin C, Cranberry, and Garlic pills. They help soooo well and also can strengthen your immune system anyway. Doesn't hurt the baby, infact it just makes your breast milk that much more nutritious. Hope this helps.

Michelle - posted on 10/22/2010

tylenal is the safest you can take. Now if you are all plugged up then try this tea. All natural and pregnant I use peppermint; but you make up your own mind.
1/2 cup apple juice
1/2 apricot necture
1 cup water
boil
add tea bags to steep and enjoy
it does not smell that great but if you drink it as hot as possible it will break up the gunk.
Hope you feel better soon.

Shannon - posted on 01/26/2009

Speak to your own physician, and a lactation consultant.... each will have a difference of opinion...

As far as the natural remedies go... the last time I knew, you were not supposed to have echinacea while nuring.... drinking lots of warm (not hot) water will help get it out of your chest... and your head... well, try getting facial massages, and use those little nasal inhaler things from Vicks... I leave eucalyptus in my bathroom to to help while it is all steamy.

Debbie - posted on 01/26/2009

when I was pregnant I took a saline nasal spray from the pharmacy and that helped alot by clearing out my sinuses.

here is a link on medications http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Breastf...

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I didn't think any cold meds were safe, but I'd check with your pediatrician.  I know you're not supposed to have anything with an antihistamine because it will dry up your milk.  Maybe try homeopathic remedies instead.  I hope you get well soon!

Vanessa - posted on 01/25/2009

If your throat hurts, try honey. Don't swallow it right away -- let it sit at the back. Also, drink lots of hot water. I started doing this when I got a cold while I was pregnant, and I'll never take cold/cough medicine again!

Laura - posted on 01/25/2009

Be really careful about taking decongestants because they can lower your milk supply. I used to use Vicks rub but then I heard that it can be dangerous for the baby. One thing that really helps me is holding my face over a bowl of steaming hot water - drape a towel over the back of the head to keep the steam in. My huband thought I was a complete nut when he first saw me do this but after his cold meds didn't help, he gave it a try and was amazed at how well it cleared his sinuses. He said it even got rid of the sinus pressure headache that he had had for 2 days. Hope you feel better soon.