It’s certain that you will get sick at some point while pumping or breastfeeding, and you’ll likely think about taking medication to make yourself feel better while caring for your child. Yet knowing which drugs are typically regarded safe for breastfeeding and which drugs you might want to avoid is crucial if you’re feeding your baby breast milk.
Different dosages of drugs you take may enter your breast milk. Here are some important notes concerning common cold and flu medications to consider when breastfeeding, whether you are nursing, pumping, or doing both, and you are feeling under the weather. We’ve also provided a few drug substitutes that are generally safe for nursing mothers.
Yes, with a few caveats, is the quick response. For instance, you can typically take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) if you have a fever, aches, pains, or a headache. Some drugs, such pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), might not be the best option, either.
You can also try a number of natural therapies in addition to over-the-counter and prescription drugs. These are some of the more popular cold and flu medications you might think about using while nursing, along with information on their potential effects on you, your baby, and your breast milk.While ill, should you breastfeed? Yes, also! In addition to protecting your baby from infection, continuing to breastfeed while you are contagious with a cold or virus assures that your milk production won’t drop.
If you’re concerned that you might give your newborn germs, realize that by the time you notice symptoms appearing, your child has probably already been exposed. But, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), you can give your infant a head start in fighting off the virus through the antibodies in your breast milk.LactMed describes levels of dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, transferred to the nursing infant as low and that this medication likely will not affect a nursing infant. They recommend not combining dextromethorphan with alcohol while nursing.
However, while the Infant Risk Center describes dextromethorphan as the safest cough suppressant for nursing or pumping mothers, they recommend observing your infant for drowsiness or poor feeding.
