Cold/Flu

The pharmacist told me that Airborne was fine but not to take a multi/prenatal vitamin that day so as to not get too much vitamin A.

I wouldn't take Airborne. It has some herbs that are contraindicated for pregnancy. My mom swears by Umcka brand homeopathic cough/cold syrup. You can get it at Whole Foods or Elephant Pharmacy.

Vit A supports the immune system! Cod liver oil is the best source. Also take Vit c and zinc.

If you can, try not to take anything more than tea with honey - honestly. Even if it passes through your system before your little one nurses again or doesn't affect them - most medicines will negatively affect your milk supply. Not forever, but for a few days.
I took dayquil on the worst day of my cold. I took it after he nursed in the morning when I was on my way to work. I figured that it would be out of my system by the time we nused after work. I still pumped a generous amount like usual but by the next day my supply was way down, and it stayed down for 3 days. I only took the medicine that one time and everything else was the same or better (increased my water intake, took a couple of naps to stay somewhat rested). I took Fenugreek for a few days which helped get everything back to normal and It wasn't the end of the world, it was only a few days and I'm totally fine and back to normal now but I wanted to let you know because it took me a couple days to figure out what happend to my milk.

I just got over a really bad cold that knocked me down for 3 days. I tried to do all the natural things, like hot teas with lemon and honey, hot soups, vitamin C. But once it hit me hard I had no choice but to call the Dr. and they advised that I take Sudafed for the congestion and Robitussin as an expectorant without any letters after it. You can take Robitussin DM at night because it has a cough supressant. I also took tylenol for the body pain and to avoid any fever. I started taking it and only had to take it for 2 days as I my symptoms improved. The key is to take it right after brestfeeding and then eat something. I tried to avoid all medications especially since I am breatfeeding. But after I spent all day in bed, I had no choice but to give in to Quality of Life!!!
Get better soon!
BTW, My brestmilk was not at all affected. I do tend to produce lots of milk so I wasn't worried. Something to consider and discuss with your MD or Lactation consultant.

Early this winter I deterred a cold by taking some elderberry/zinc lozenges I got at the co-op here. I'm sure you could find them at Whole Foods or Good Earth. Good luck!

If you want to take airborne, take it right after you breastfeed so it goes thru you before the next feeding

Not to be rude, but that's really more a question for your doctor... if your Pediatrician has a lactation specialist, you can ask them what's safe too.

I too am breastfeeding and I called and asked my doctor if I could take Airborn. She said no because those kinds of products contain herbs and they still aren't sure how they will affect the baby.

Oscillococcinum works very well if you take it at the first symptoms of the flu; chills, headaches, body aches...
Since it's homeopathy it's well tolerated by everybody, and no side effects. But you can check with your Dr or at any health food store. If you live in or near Pleasanton there is an excellent one at the corner of Valley and Hopyard. I always keep this remedy at home, just in case I need it.
Good luck!

I play it pretty safe when it comes to over the counter drugs, and I usually ask the pharmacist. I have taken comtrex for when I have a cold and that really works - it has the same ingredients as sudafed, tylenol and robtussin, which are all safe for bf.
As for prevention I am not sure. I am still a fan of a warm shot of whiskey, fresh lemon juice and honey. put it in the microwave and get it nice and warm. I swear it works! Of course, I usually do this at night after feeding...it's probably all in my head, but I feel better soon. I also found that with bf I tend to get over colds and flus faster than I used to.
good luck.

Hi, A.. You can check out the website LactMed. It is a database that lists medications and indicates whether they affect lactation or are harmful to take when nursing.

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT

Congratulations on your new baby!!!

M. B.

I know I am a little late but I wanted to add my two cents. Cleaning your ears with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide at the first sign of being sick will keep you from getting sick or if you are already sick it will lessen it. Just put 3 drops or so in your ear and let it sit for 5-10 mins. I also seconded the Cod Liver oil. My son and I take it every day.

Every one looks for the magic. The truth is what you do to yourself on a daily basis is so important. When I am sick I want it to stop! You know, I changed what I did about 5 years ago. I don't have the allergies or colds that I used to have. Drink good healthy water. Stay hydrated. Dehydration causes a lot of problems. Eat your greens. Green Green Broccoli leafy greens. Fruits and veggies with color. Make a veggie soup. Limit Dairy and animal to under 10% of your food intake. Whole food is where it is at. Whole food supports your system. Check out The China Study By Conin Campbell.

No Airborn...one of the herbs isn't good for babies. Eat healthy food, drink plenty of fluids (especially fresh ginger/lemon tea), and rest!

Hi A.,
Everything you eat (virtually) goes into your breastmilk!
I didn't take Airborne because there are herbs that may affect the baby. I would always take lots of Emergen-C because it just contains vitamin C and some minerals. Honey in tea or even hot water is also a good remedy.
A.

Ask your pediatrician. I know for sure that anything that is a decongestive is out as it will dry up your milk supply. I have been taking Zicam when I think I am getting a cold. I have to admit I didn't ask the Dr but the active ingredient is a zinc compound. So far every possible cold has gone away with one dose!

I am still breastfeeding and I take extra Vitamin C, Zinc, Airborne, Emergen-C, Andographis, Holy Basil, Gypsy Cold Herbal Tea ( 1-2 cups a day) and LOTS of water... this is all on top of my regular multivitamin. My son is fine!

I agree with Laura who wrote just before me. Echinacea and Elderberry are good. remember all that you take goes into your breastmilk to baby. Airborne is pretty good, but it actually has high fructose corn syrup in it. i was bummed to figure that out...

I take echinacea, elderberry, vitamin C and garlic (I didn't take garlic until she was about 1). They are all supposed to be safe while breast feeding. I also take chinese herbs that my acupuncturist has deemed safe. I am fighting off a cold right now and that is what I am taking!

Hi A.,

I've taken Zicam to help ward off a cold. You don't eat it. It's a swab that goes in your nose. It works really well, and I've used it with my 4 year old also.

I called my OB and they told me that robitussin was ok. But I would call your and check. It has been a while and things may have changed.

Hope you feel better.

Sudafed at one of the doses is OK, and I think Airborne is safe because it's just vitamins, right? You should call your OB or midwife to get the definitive word. Hope you're feeling better!

Edit: I read your question and thought you were pregnant, not breastfeeding! The pediatrician will tell you what is OK, too!!