Safe Medicines for Cold During Breastfeeding - Everything you need to Know.

Introduction

Breastfeeding moms should always be careful and cautious about what they consume during the breastfeeding period. This has a great impact on the milk supply as well as some side effects for infants. Foods and medications consumed by the mother can travel through the breast milk to the infant. Rather than opting for medications, other home remedies and natural measures discussed below can be followed to get relief from colds during breastfeeding.

What Are the Safe Medications for Colds While Breastfeeding?

It is always good to discuss the risks and benefits of taking medications with the healthcare provider while breastfeeding. The majority of over-the-counter medications are safe while breastfeeding. Medications that are designed to dry the mucus, such as cold medication and decongestants, can sometimes also have a drying effect throughout the rest of the body. The safe decongestants for breastfeeding mothers are:

• Dextromethorphan: It is safe for breastfeeding moms and babies. It is unlikely to affect milk supply and has no reported side effects in infants.

• Oxymetazoline: A tiny amount can be transferred to the infant and administered as a nasal spray. It is always recommended over Pseudoephedrine and is less likely to affect milk supply.

• Pseudoephedrine: It is a safe cold medicine for breastfeeding mothers. This medication can cause a dip in milk supply and cause major supply issues. The infant can become a little cranky, and also mothers who take Pseudoephedrine become irritable.

• Phenylephrine: Medications with active ingredients are unlikely to pose a risk to the baby, and in the case of breastfeeding, it might not be the first choice.

• Guaifenesin: Guaifenesin is unlikely to cause any harm to infants, especially. Probably it is the first choice. It is generally considered acceptable for occasional use.

Safe pain relievers for breastfeeding mothers are:

• Ibuprofen: They act better in symptoms like headache, fever, and infants and can tolerate higher doses.

• Acetaminophen: It is a good choice since they are unlikely to cause side effects in babies.

• Naproxen Sodium: It is considered safe, but not as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen since they stay in the system for longer.

Safe antihistamines for breastfeeding mothers are:

• Fexofenadine: Active ingredient Fexofenadine might affect the supply. But they cannot affect the little one.

• Diphenhydramine: It is best for breastfed babies, and occasional doses will not affect the supply. Using it regularly can lead to decreased production of milk. In addition, both the mother and baby can feel drowsy.

• Loratadine: It can make a subtle dip in milk supply. These drugs are unlikely to cause side effects in infants.

What Cold Medications Should Be Avoided While Breastfeeding?

There are some cold medications that carry more risks than benefits for breastfeeding moms and infants. It is better to discuss and know the pros and cons of the medication with the doctor before taking it. The medications are:

• Codeine: The active ingredient consists of Demi-Cof, Dex-Tuss, Tuzistra, and Tussirex. These ingredients can accumulate in the baby's system when the breastfeeding mother consumes a normal dose, and these can potentially cause dangerous side effects like slow heart rate and trouble breathing.

• Hydrocodone: High levels of hydrocodone, when transferred to babies through milk, are found in some drugs. They also contain Aspirin. Doses of more than 162 milligrams per day, like high levels of aspirin and can accumulate in the infant's system. Aspirin can also lead to rashes and bleeding issues in babies.

Should Breastfeeding Be Stopped While Taking Medications?

Most of the medications are safe while breastfeeding. The benefits of continuing the medication for any type of chronic condition may outweigh the potential risks. There are some medications that can be harmful while breastfeeding. Healthcare providers shall recommend an alternative drug. Mostly low levels of medication are prescribed for feeding mom. In some cases, healthcare providers can recommend stopping breastfeeding permanently or temporarily. Recommendation depends on how long the drug is required. In addition to this, pumping breast milk and storing expressed milk is recommended. Stored breast milk can be used once the woman begins the drug.

In cases where breastfeeding needs to be stopped, one can use a double electric breast pump to keep up the milk supply. It is best to throw away the pumped milk while taking medication.

What Are the Tips for Reducing the Transfer of Medicines to Breast Milk?

Women can reduce the risk of cold medication transferring to their breastmilk by:

• Using an alternative method of taking drugs like nasal spray instead of flu, fever, and cold tablets for stuffy noses.

• Choosing alternative medications whenever possible.

• Expressing or discarding milk if women are taking medications for a few days.

• Using alternative medications like nasal sprays instead of tablets.

• Using the lowest appropriate dose to manage the symptoms.

• Taking medication immediately after the feed and before the infant takes the longest sleep period to minimize the amount of medication in the milk.

• Breastfeeding and taking medications should be observed for effects like sleepiness, poor feeding, irritability, or anything unusual that concerns infants and their behavior. Always consult a healthcare provider before taking medications while breastfeeding.

What Are the Safe Home Remedies for Colds While Breastfeeding?

Home remedies can be the best option to get relief from colds, flu, and fever while breastfeeding. This helps in minimizing symptoms before taking medications. The home remedies recommended are:

• Take it easy, be chill, try taking naps in between, and get enough rest.

• Consuming enough water and tea can help one to stay hydrated and try to reduce mucus. Coffee and alcohol, in turn, will dry an individual more in the cold, so avoid them.

• Mixing salt in warm water and then gargling it around the throat can help with a sore throat and scratchiness.

• Sip hot tea with honey; this combo relieves the throat better and soothes the throat.

• Run a humidifier; this adds moisture to the air and can help relieve congestion.

• Consuming chicken soup can help in relieving congestion and mucus buildup. The warmth of soup can ease the throat.

• Taking herbs and supplements like echinacea, vitamin C, and zinc can shorten the duration of colds.

• Limit the level of activity and get plenty of rest and reduce the intensity of workouts. Rest can strengthen the immune system and help in recovering faster.

Conclusion

It is normal to continue feeding while the mother is sick, as the mother's body makes antibodies for the virus that passes to the baby through the milk. So, continuing to breastfeed can actually strengthen a baby's immune system and lower their chances of becoming sick. A sick mother can also take measures like wearing a face mask, washing hands before feeding, quitting sharing pillows and blankets with the baby, and cleaning her breasts with mild soaps before feeding. It is best to consult a specialist before taking any medications while breastfeeding.