Breastfeeding & having a cold?

steph20830 · April 2012

I feel a cold coming on...is it ok if I still breastfeed? What if it it becomes something more than just a cold, is it still ok to breastfeed when you're sick? Are there medications I should avoid or take none at all? Thanks for the advice!

leiniew · April 2012

i am in the same boat as you. i think its safe to bf with a cold. i have only been using caugh drops so far, but i know robitussin caugh and vix are ok to take. my doc said to stay away from decongestants. i usually always double check with the phamacist when i get any type of meds to take just because i worry so much. it is rough bf with a cold and trying not to sneeze all over ds. good luck

preggersINschool25 · April 2012

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/mom-illness/

Kellymom.com is a great resource. Breastfeeding while sick is fine. I don't know about the medication thing, but you could probably look up a specific medicine on kellymom to check its safety.

tokenhoser · April 2012

It is best to keep breastfeeding, as by the time you are sick you have already exposed your baby to that illness. BFing gives them access to your antibodies.

Look up cold (and other) medicine on kellymom.com. Some stuff is safe, some stuff is "safe" but will kill your supply (sudafed), some stuff is not safe (but less than you'd think).

I've breastfed through several colds and a nasty stomach flu. Baby's gotta eat.

Lhand11 · April 2012

I breasted through a cold and didn't take anything. I did take some Tylenol though, that was it. I didn't trust anything else. Drink lots of water and chicken soup is always a go-to. Good ole' at home standbys.

ALane1128 · April 2012

Def keep breastfeeding! It will provide your LO with great antibodies! I just got over a 2 week cold & all I took was cough drops & vit C drops. Keep drinking plenty of water & I 2nd looking up info on kellymom.com

dino24saur · April 2012

I work as a pharmacy technician and I currentky have a cold. Just to double check I asked the pharmacist and he greed that a nursing mom shouldn't take anything. He said meds either: have side effects for the baby, aren't safe for babies, or can adversely affect my milk supply. He suggested tea with honey and pho soup. I'm hoping it works.