Sinus meds while breastfeeding?

nicolita14w · January 2011

I think I have a sinus infection or at least a bad cold. Was going to go to the doctor yesterday but my MIL was late getting to our house to watch the kids so I had to cancel. I know nothing other than antibiotics will cure it if it's an infection, but I'd like to alleviate the symptoms (a lot of pain and pressure in my cheek, ear and teeth).

What would you feel okay taking while breastfeeding? The Kellymom site mentions that most OTC stuff is okay, but my supply has been suffering with my return to work and I am so hesitant to do anything that might further lower my supply. Any advice?

And I do the hot steamy shower thing but usually after about 5 minutes I am called out by one screaming child or another.

Mouseygail · January 2011

have you ever tried a neti pot? I'm too big of a wimp to do it, but DH swears by it...(so do a lot of girls on my local board...i just can't deal with water up my nose!)

howleyshell · January 2011

Mouseygail:
have you ever tried a neti pot? I'm too big of a wimp to do it, but DH swears by it...(so do a lot of girls on my local board...i just can't deal with water up my nose!)

Ditto this BUT... I use the Neil Med Sinus rinse bottles instead of the pot. The pot grosses me out. You've got better control with the bottle.

It physically rinses out your sinus cavities with saline.

Zero drugs - zero risk to your supply. You can do it several times a day too.

GL!!

roxydaisy · January 2011

I was too afraid to take any sinus meds. I just took Tylenol for the pain and used saline drops to soften the mucous. Have you tried Shower Soothers? They're little tablets you drop in the shower that create mentholated steam. They help for a little while. Good luck, I know it sucks.

howleyshell · January 2011

roxydaisy:
I was too afraid to take any sinus meds. I just took Tylenol for the pain and used saline drops to soften the mucous. Have you tried Shower Soothers? They're little tablets you drop in the shower that create mentholated steam. They help for a little while. Good luck, I know it sucks.

Oooohhh!! Along these lines they make menthol drops designed to be added to your sinus rinse bottle. I use them when I'm especially bad. Gets the menthol relief all the way up and in there.

nicolita14w · January 2011

Thanks, gals, I will look for the rinse bottles (I like the idea of the Neti pot but feel like I wouldn't be able to do it right and would get all frustrated). Can you get them somewhere like Walgreens?

emmyloustu · January 2011

another vote for netti pot!! i had a bad sinus thing and low supply while bfing and the pharmacist recommended afrin spray vs. a pill and it helped a lot and didn't interfere with bfing at all. feel better!

howleyshell · January 2011

nicolita14w:
Thanks, gals, I will look for the rinse bottles (I like the idea of the Neti pot but feel like I wouldn't be able to do it right and would get all frustrated). Can you get them somewhere like Walgreens?

Yes - Walgreens.

And a caution against Afrin. It DOES work and work well but it is also known to have a "rebound" effect for many meaning that once you stop using it you're more congested than you were before you started.

On the other hand in my opinion every house should have a bottle of it on hand because it's a vasoconstrictor and is GREAT for treating nose bleeds.

kme930 · January 2011

I second the NeilMed Sinus Rinse - like a neti pot but MUCH more user friendly. It's definitely at Walgreens and the like, but it's often on a bottom shelf, so ask the pharmacist if you don't see it! Stay away from anything with pseudoephedrine as that will dry you up entirely.

Feel better!

Want a personalized experience?

Sinus meds while breastfeeding?

Re: Sinus meds while breastfeeding?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards