Is It OK to Take Cold Medication While Breastfeeding

Anything that is a decongestant will dry up your breastmilk, DON'T TAKE IT!! Decongestants are designed to dry you up, so NyQuil, DayQuil, all of those, they're going to dry you up.

Hi C.,
I was just sick as well and am nursing. They told me to take tylenol cold. Just try to pump or feed, then take it so there is less ingested by your beautiful daughter. It helped. I also put vicks on my feet with socks on and for some strange reason it helped my coughing fits at night! Good luck
Desiree

Yes, It is okay to take cold medication. While pregnant and breastfeeding, my OB/GYN told me its okay to take any Tyenol product... Tylenol PM, Tylenol Sinus, Tylenol Cold, etc... There are many other products that are safe too. My lactation consultant said it was okay to take NyQuil even (it does have alcohol in it). Any time you have a question, just call your OB/Gyn's nurse and ask... or your local Lactation consultant, ours looks all this stuff up if there is any question about a perscribed medicine, etc... and the pharmacist at your local Walgreens/SaveMart, etc. should know as well if you ask them.

Anything with an anti-histimine will dry up your milk. It dries up fast adn is hard to get back. I'd use saline spray up the nose to dry out the nasal passages if you want to keep pumping. My milk dried up after a cold and I could not get it back despite using meds, pumping tons, etc.

the pp is right, watch out for decongestant, will effect your milk suppy but you havta take LOTS to make it dry up your milk compleatly, and not be nursing as much already ( like if your doing just am and pm)
also the link below has good info for meds during pg and BF

http://www.safefetus.com/
good luck hope you feel better soon!
E.

Hello,
When my son was about 6month to 2 years old, I as breast feeding and constantley getting sick. The doctor allways said it was okay to feed him, and thank god we never had a problem.

Good luck

Over the counter cold meds at usual doses are safe for nursing as far as their effect on the baby, but some may cause a temporary drop in milk production, so if that seems to result, stop that cold formula and try a different drug. Decongestants, without antihistamines, are the safest.

Actually, a decongestant doesn't dry up secretions, it loosens them. An anti-histamine is a different medication, it acts in a different way and DOES dry up secretions, and can affect the milk supply of some women. I would definitely try natural remedies to relieve symptoms first, like saline drops, tea with lemon, steamy showers, humidifier, etc. A normal cold, with no secondary infection, is an inconvenience, but not something that needs to be medicated, really.

I use alternative medicine such as homeopathy and chiropractic to treat illness, espcecially my kids. During this time of year I would recommend Elderberry syrup. It is a safe herb for both you and your daughter. It will be passed on to her through your breastmilk but she can have some directly also. Elderberry strenghtens the immune system, that is why it is important to take it during this time of year. Chiropractic adjustments help the body recover quicker and move the illness out. I would recommend Dr.Feder's book on natural childcare. She is an MD but uses a holistic approach to treating her patients. You can read more at www.drfeder.com. Check the ingredients on the Vicks, either the adult or children's version contains turpentine. A safer chest rub is 3tablespoons of oil, such as olive oil, and a drop of Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oil. Nurse her as often as possible so she stays hydrated and boost her immune system. Hope you both feel well soon.

Of course check with your child's pediatrian, and keep in mind that medical professionals are now advising parents not to give their children cold medicine until they reach the age of 6.

this is an awesome site for checking if meds are compatible with breastfeeding! good luck!!

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/cold-remedy.html