Medications for Cold While Breastfeeding???

Updated on January 27, 2011
A.C. asks from Fort Worth, TX
15 answers

Hey ladies I am getting a cold and not sure what to take while breatfeeding.....I just have a sore throat and congestion. Would you take robitussin? It is too late to call the doctor's office or breastfeeding resource center so I hope you wonderful ladies can help me!

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P.M.

answers from Tampa on

Robitussin - in all forms - is listed as probably safe, but may temp decrease milk supply. The nighttime relief, flu & allergy formulations of Robitussin say to observe for sedation in infant.

If the infant is over 6 months, the chances of sedation are greatly decreased.

Medication and Mothers Milk - Dr Thomas Hale, Ed 2008

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L.L.

answers from Topeka on

Rule of thumb if taking any medications while breastfeeding for a cold for a a runny nose or sinuses it can decrease & dry up your milk supply so Benadryl is a big NO NO if you have established bfing your lil one for a few months be cautious in taking them,plus to add you need to get in touch with the bfing clinic so for now Tylenol warm bath rub vicks on your feet back chest under your nose & wrap yourself in a blankie & call it a night

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R.P.

answers from Cleveland on

well i never breastfed but i know that tylonel products are safe to take while pregnant but i am not sure about breastfeeding. call a pharmacy and ask them they would know

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P.M.

answers from Portland on

Try a saline spray, or use a neti pot, or sniff salt water from your hand and blow it out repeatedly in the sink. It's not at all ladylike, but can help a lot with congestion and may even help the cold resolve faster (and is very helpful for hay fever/allergies, too). My husband resisted this practice for years, but recently has started doing it and wonders why he waited so long.

Hope you feel better soon!

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D.W.

answers from Gainesville on

You should be fine with tylenol to make you more comfortable. You can try to relieve the congestion with a cool or warm mist vaporizer (just have to experiment and see what makes you feel better), warm shower to open you up, vicks just under your nose to help you breath better (don't put it on your chest it will be too strong for baby), sleep propped up, drink plenty of liquids to help thin your secretions, keep nursing baby to help protect him/her from getting it.

Feel better soon!

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K.C.

answers from Austin on

I used a neti pot recently, worked really well for me as temporary relief, and I think that with good nutrition helped me get over it. Plus it is totally safe. I wouldn't feel very good about taking robitussin or something similar while nursing but thats me.

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R.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

dont take Robitussin- Tylenol cold or any Tylenol product the same medication you can take when your pregnant don't stray from that when breastfeeding

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C.J.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with the nasal washes and emergen-c by the gallons _LOL! Then when the resource center opens, give 'em a call.

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T.Z.

answers from Dallas on

i used a neti pot all the time. you are also probably 100% safe using any of the Bioron homeopathic stuff like Oscillo or Cold Calm. I still use them and give them to my kids (even when they were under 1 per pediatrician's advice)
you can find more info and coupons at www.oscillo.com

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D.K.

answers from Dallas on

I am not sure if Tylenol is safe during breastfeeding, but I had taken very strong pain-killers during the first 2 months because of a bad backache. I was breastfeeding my baby at that time and the doctors said the painkillers are safe and they might pass on to the baby in just a tiny amount and will be harmless. I used to take Paracetamol 800mg or something but it was prescription medicine.
As for regular cold, you might want to try some generic homeopathic cold syrup like Hyland's. Both me and my toddler take them for common colds and it seems to ease the symptoms. Hope this helps!

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi A.,

The first line of defense should be your prenatal. If it's absorbing properly, you shouldn't have problems, at least not often. (I can recommend one if youre not happy with yours.) In addition, elderberry extract is a natural immune booster and is completely safe for you and your little one. You can get it in capsule form or in a syrup. The syrup is tasty and can be added to a cup of tea with honey which is delicious.

Are you in chiropractic care? Principled upper cervical chiropractic does wonders for your immune system. That's how I fended off colds during my pregnancies. If your neurological system is functioning properly (with the proper alignment of the spine), then your entire body is at is optimum.

Congratulations! Hope this helps!

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

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L.D.

answers from Dallas on

Ditto on the Tylenol - my doctor told me I could take the Tylenol cold meds while pregnant - just not the nighttime ones.
Ask the pharmecist.

L.S.

answers from Dallas on

While preg my doc said i could take any tylenol products like tylenol cold and sinus etc. Im sure while BFing you have more options though. Maybe just call your dr and ask. They should be able to tell you over the phone.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Each person here is an individual and their body is different to yours and if you did what some mom suggested and then breastfed your baby and it ended up sick you'd be very upset. Call a drug store or Walgreens and ask a pharmacist. They go to college for years studying medications and the interactions. They know more than your doc ever will about meds you can and cannot take. They are open 24 hours a day. Look in the phone book and call one now please.

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R.O.

answers from Dallas on

Sudafed & tylenol!!!

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