How can a breastfeeding mother get rid of a cold?

Navigating a Cold While Breastfeeding: Tips for Mothers
For breastfeeding mothers, catching a cold can be particularly challenging. However, it’s important to know that continuing to breastfeed during this time is not only safe but can also be beneficial for both mother and baby. Here’s how a breastfeeding mother can manage a cold effectively.
Understanding the Safety of Breastfeeding While Sick
First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that the common cold is caused by a viral infection that does not transfer through breast milk. This means that breastfeeding mothers can continue to nurse their babies without fear of passing on the virus. In fact, breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect infants from infections, potentially boosting their immune systems during this vulnerable time.
Hygiene Practices Are Key
While breastfeeding is safe, maintaining proper hygiene is essential. Mothers should practice good handwashing techniques before handling their baby or breastfeeding. This simple act can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting germs. Additionally, wearing a mask while nursing can further minimize the risk of spreading any respiratory droplets.
Managing Symptoms Effectively
Although there is no cure for the common cold, there are several strategies that breastfeeding mothers can employ to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. Staying hydrated is vital; drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and keeps the throat moist. Warm teas, broths, and water are excellent choices.
Over-the-counter medications can also provide relief. Safe options include paracetamol and ibuprofen, which can help reduce fever and alleviate aches. For cough relief, benzocaine lozenges are considered safe due to their low absorption into the bloodstream, making them a good choice for nursing mothers. However, it’s advisable to avoid medications containing codeine or aspirin, as these can pose risks to breastfeeding infants.
Rest and Recovery
Rest is another critical component of recovery. Breastfeeding mothers should take the opportunity to rest whenever possible. This not only aids in their recovery but also allows them to maintain their milk supply. Sitting down to nurse can be a perfect excuse to take a break and relax.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can offer guidance on safe medications and additional treatments that can help manage symptoms while ensuring the health of both mother and baby.
In conclusion, while a cold can be an unwelcome visitor for breastfeeding mothers, it doesn’t have to disrupt the nursing relationship. By following proper hygiene practices, managing symptoms with safe medications, staying hydrated, and prioritizing rest, mothers can navigate this illness effectively while continuing to provide the nourishing benefits of breast milk to their little ones.

What cold meds are OK for breastfeeding moms?

Most cold medicines are safe while breastfeeding, especially if you take them short term and only when you need them. Some of the medications that are safe include: Expectorants that contain guaifenesin (Mucinex®, Robitussin® and others). Cough suppressants that contain dextromethorphan (DayQuil®, Delsym® and others).

How to get rid of a cold fast while breastfeeding?

Yes, there are several ways to manage cold symptoms without medications while breastfeeding:

1. Drink lots of water or other clear liquids. Clear liquids, especially warm ones, help break up mucus in your nose and chest.
2. Take a hot, steamy shower.
3. Use a humidifier.
4. Try a saline nasal spray or neti pot.
5. Rest.

How do you treat a cold in a breastfed baby?

Self care

1. Offer plenty of fluids. Liquids are important to avoid dehydration.
2. Suction your baby’s nose. Keep your baby’s nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe.
3. Try nasal saline drops. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nasal drops to moisten nasal passages and loosen thick nasal mucus.
4. Moisten the air.

Can breastmilk help fight colds?

Often, babies will want to feed constantly while they have a cold. Their bodies know that they need the valuable milk that you are producing for an antibody hit to help them recover. Your breastmilk can help to soothe a sore and irritated throat, and frequent cuddles and contact can help with aches and pains.

What cold medicine can breastfeeding moms take?

Options like Robitussin, Delsym, Triaminic and Vicks DayQuil Cough are unlikely to affect your supply and have no reported infant side effects. Pseudoephedrine. Another cold medicine safe for breastfeeding moms and their little ones is pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed and Allegra D.

Will my baby get sick if I’m sick and breastfeeding?

In fact, your body will actually start producing antibodies for those illnesses and pass those antibodies through your milk to your baby, effectively reducing the risk and severity of those illnesses to your infant and/or toddler.

What are the 5 stages of a cold?

Cold infections, which affect the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, and throat), progress through four stages: incubation, early symptoms, peak symptoms, and recovery. You may develop different symptoms at each stage.

Can you take ease a cold when breastfeeding?

Can I use the Ease a Cold products in Breastfeeding? Some Ease A Cold products contain a number of traditional medicinal herbs that have not been scientifically assessed for use their during breastfeeding. It is therefore advisable to be cautious during this time and to consult your health professional before use.

What happens if a breastfeeding mom gets cold?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Can I take vitamin C while breastfeeding?

The recommended vitamin C intake in lactating women is 120 mg daily, and for infants aged 6 months or less is 40 mg daily. [1] High daily doses up to 1000 mg increase milk levels, but not enough to cause a health concern for the breastfed infant and is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.