BF-safe cold remedies

[Brie]

H gave me and the baby his cold, boo.

Is there anything I can take that is BF-safe and won't kill my supply? I have a nasty sore throat and stuffy nose. So far I've just been doing saline spray and hot tea.

[gibbinator]

I emailed this same question to a pharmacist friend of mine a couple weeks back so I'll. Just c&p her answer:

If you want safest option for congestion, go with a saline rinse

If you want something that will actually WORK for congestion, go for a decongestant nasal spray (e.g. Otrivin). The tiny doses it would expose you to would be incredibly minimal risk for breast feeding. It's the option I'd go for if I were you. Only use it for the first 3 or so days of congestion though, because after a while your nose gets dependent on it, so when you stop you get "rebound congestion" (exactly what it sounds like).

Best to avoid oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine if you can.

Tylenol is fine.

Cough drops can also help sore throats just by coating them, so they're an option as well since they're essentially just sugar and menthol for the most part (though some will sneak in weird ingredients, so just be aware of that).

[Ashley&Scott]

I take Mucinex DM, the ingredients are listed as BF safe on Kellymom. Dextromethorphan
L1 (safest) Guaifenesin L2 (safer)
kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/

I've done it a few times, with no impact on my supply. Usually I only do one dose a day instead of 2. Make sure you drink lots of water/fluids. Cough drops are fine too.

[Ashley&Scott]

Do you have the Nose Frida? It will help clear C's nose

[Brie]

Thanks guys.

We don't have a Nosefrida but I need to get one.

[zeewifeandmama]

Nov 1, 2012 8:37:53 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Do you have the Nose Frida? It will help clear C's nose

I second this!!
Sorry you're sick, being a sick mama sucks

[sewpinkgal]

I never took anything when I was BFing b/c my supply was already so damn low. However, I'll second the Nosefrida rec! The bulb syringe never worked as well for us as the Nosefrida. They hate it, but it does get their nose clear so they can breathe. We'd do it before every feeding when he had a cold and it helped a ton. I hope you're both better soon.

[Deleted]

I use the nasal decongestants. I try to save them for night time so I can sleep, as there is rebound congestion if you use them too much/long. It's never had any impact on my milk supply. They work like magic for me.

Advil/tylenol for pain.

kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/meds/cold-remedy/ is a good list.