I think I'm getting sick, it all started with a tickle in my throat, which led to a cough and now my nose is stuffed and I have a headache. Although I'm not breastfeeding I am pumping, so what I take affects my baby, any suggestions on what to take?? I've tried Robitussin, but that didn't help...Halls cough drops help somewhat, but I still have the cough and it still feels like there is a tickle in my throat. I also have post nasal drip, which is what is probably causing the tickle, but I just want to be rid of this...any suggestions??
Some vicks vaporub will help with the stuffiness. For the throat try sipping on a warm beverage, or sucking on a ice cube - both the heat and the cold will help. Sipping liquids will help keep the throat moist and provide relief.
Walmart makes an childrens allergy medicine. It's a cherry flavor liquid. It's recommended for small children.
I agree with the other poster, salt water really helps the throat. You can still take sudafed when you are nursing,I used to take just 1 pill instead of 2.It really does help. But I also did the saline nasal spray and gargled with salt water!! Feel better soon!
L.
Licensed Kindermusik Educator
Grow and Sing Studios
http://www.growandsing.com
You've gotten great responses; I personally swear by the Neti pot!
But something else to know...Cough syrup is useless. There has never been a study to prove that Dextromethorphan, the main ingredient in cough syrup, works at ALL to prevent cough. However, there HAVE been studies which prove that honey, taken in doses similar to cough syrup, not only prevent cough but actually help to heal the throat. And it tastes great!
Feel better soon!
Oh, and don't forget to rest, drink lots of fluids and think good thoughts about yourself.
Try a saline nasal rinse like SinuRinse (it is more powerful than a netti pot), some vitamin C, some zinc, normal pectin coughdrops (that don't have alcohol in them) and a spoonful of honey when you feel the tickle. I haven't taken real cold medicine in YEARS (I am on my 3rd baby in 4 years, nursed them both -- now 28 weeks prego). Honestly all the stuff I just told you works better for me than the cold medicines ever did (with the exception of Affrin -- ah to be able to breathe and smell is great -- miss that). The cold medicines just gave me medicine head!
kellymom is a great resource for all things breastfeeding. Here is their list of AAP approved meds and the safety during breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding or not, I personally try to avoid too many meds for a simple cold. You can take ibuprofen or tylenol for the headache (I'd take ibuprofen, I find it's more effective). As for the congestion, I'd keep using cough drops and use saline in the nose (I actually make a saltwater mixture and just snort it up one nostril at a time. Works like a charm). You can also buy little bottles of it in the stores or use a neti pot. Use a humidifier or get a pot of steaming water and put your head over it with a towel "tent" over your head. I also drink a lot of hot heat when sick, and it's very soothing.
Have you ever tried a neti pot? It is awesome! You mix up a salt solution and then rinse out your sinuses. I used to gt at least 2 sinus infections every year and when we started trying to get pregnant I didn't want to be on antibiotics that often so I started using my neti pot. As long as I use it I don't get sinus infections. It may take a couple tries before you get it right. The first time I did it it felt a little like water up my nose, but once I got the hang of it it was FANTASTIC! Good luck and feel better soon!
I had the same thing last week. People always mention taking extra vitamin C but I think taking Vitamin D helped me. In years past, I've had this and it would last over a month. This year it went right away and I'm thinking its from the Vitamin D. My doctor had suggested I take a supplement as it came back low in my annual blood test. I take 1000 units daily. Also, another thing I tried last week was the 24 hour Claritan which seemed to help. Not sure about taking it while breastfeeding though. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Hi Allyson,
Some easy and innocuous solutions for a cold are: extra vitamin C, of course. It won't hurt your breastmilk. Swabbing your ears and gargling
with H2O2. Vicks Vaporub. Eucalyptus aromatherapy. Sunshine. Green
tea. Antioxidants in fresh juices. And gargling with salt water solution is
always great for healing a sore throat. You just have to be consistent.
Once will not be enough. Do it until it works. ;)
BTW, when it starts, let the nose run...it's eliminating toxins. Keep taking extra Vitamin C...lots of fresh oranges and other citrus.
"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA
