Breastfeeding parents often face a challenge when cold or flu symptoms emerge: finding relief while ensuring their infant’s safety. Making informed medication choices is crucial to protect both parent and infant health, and to prevent adverse effects on milk supply.
General Guidelines for Medication Use
Before taking any medication, a breastfeeding parent should consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist. They offer personalized advice based on the parent’s and infant’s health, assessing the risk-benefit profile for each situation.
Choosing single-ingredient products is recommended to minimize infant exposure to unnecessary drugs. For example, select a medication that only addresses a cough rather than a multi-symptom formula. Opting for short-acting formulations is also beneficial, as these drugs clear from the body more quickly, reducing their presence in breast milk.
Monitor the infant for any adverse reactions, such as increased drowsiness, changes in feeding patterns, or unusual rashes. Younger infants, especially those who are premature or have underlying health conditions, may be more susceptible to medication effects. Administering medication immediately after a feeding can also help, allowing for the longest interval before the next feeding and potentially reducing drug concentration in the milk.
Specific Medications to Consider and Avoid
When experiencing cold or flu symptoms while breastfeeding, some medications are considered compatible due to low transfer into breast milk. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is widely used and typically enters breast milk in very small amounts, posing a low risk to the infant. Ibuprofen, another common pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, also transfers minimally into breast milk and is generally compatible for short-term, low-dose use.
Certain antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra), are less sedating and transfer into breast milk in lower quantities. These are often preferred for allergy symptoms that may accompany a cold.
Some medications are not recommended or require significant caution due to potential effects on the infant or milk supply. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine can reduce milk supply and may cause irritability, jitters, or sleep disturbances in the infant. Pseudoephedrine, for instance, has been observed to decrease milk production by approximately 24% in some individuals.
Cough suppressants containing codeine or hydrocodone are avoided while breastfeeding due to the risk of infant respiratory depression and sedation. These opioids can accumulate in the infant’s system, leading to serious side effects. Highly sedating antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness and poor feeding in the nursing infant, and may also contribute to decreased milk supply.
Non-Pharmacological Remedies
Prioritizing rest helps the body recover from a cold or flu. Adequate sleep allows the immune system to function optimally and combat the infection. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and warm teas helps to thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the respiratory passages.
Saline nasal sprays can help relieve nasal congestion by moisturizing the nasal passages and loosening dried mucus. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may soothe irritated airways and reduce cough severity. Gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help alleviate a sore throat. For a cough, honey can be a soothing remedy for individuals over one year of age, as it can help calm a cough by coating the throat.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is important to seek medical advice if cold or flu symptoms worsen or do not show signs of improvement within a few days. Persistent symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious infection that requires specific treatment. A high or persistent fever, especially if it lasts longer than two to three days, warrants medical evaluation to rule out complications.
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Severe body aches, extreme fatigue, or any signs of mastitis, such as a painful, red, or swollen area on the breast accompanied by fever, should also prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Any concerns about the infant’s health, including unusual drowsiness, poor feeding, or the development of a rash, should also lead to a prompt medical consultation.