Colds are a common illness that usually resolves on its own or with the assistance of over-the-counter cold medications. However, when you are breastfeeding, you cannot simply take any medicine. You should be aware of the medications you are taking, including cold medications. Some medications may be able to pass through breast milk and into the baby's body.

Symptoms of colds in breastfeeding mothers

Breastfeeding mothers experience the same cold symptoms as everyone else, which include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Itchy or sore throat
• Cough
• Body aches
• Mild headache
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Low-grade fever
• Mild fatigue

General guidelines for choosing cold medicine while breastfeeding

Essentially, a cold is not a disease that can be treated with medications. Colds are caused by viruses and usually resolve themselves within a few days. You may be advised to drink plenty of water, gargle with salt water, get enough rest, eat nutritious foods, or use nasal spray.

However, as a breastfeeding mother, you may be unable to overcome a cold by simply resting because you must care for and breastfeed your baby. As a result, you may need medication to help manage your cold symptoms.

The following medications are recommended for breastfeeding mothers:

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Paracetamol is a medication that is commonly prescribed to relieve mild to moderate pain, fever, and headaches associated with a cold. It is safe to use while breastfeeding and can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms of a cold. Simply take the recommended dosage listed on the package or as directed by your doctor.

Breastfeeding mothers can safely take ibuprofen, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• You should only take the recommended amount of ibuprofen and not exceed the maximum daily dose
• You should avoid drugs that contain ibuprofen and paracetamol together
• Avoid taking extra-strong medications. Use standard strength or smaller doses instead

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are necessary for relieving allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Some antihistamines are safe to take while breastfeeding because they have no adverse effects on the baby or milk supply. Loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine are among the recommended medications.

Cough medicine

Coughing is often associated with a cold. Some cough medicines are suitable for short-term use while breastfeeding. Some of these medications are:

• Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing
• Guaifenesin helps loosen the throat and thin the mucus in the respiratory tract

Decongestant nasal sprays

Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine may be unsafe for breastfeeding mothers because they can impair breast milk production. The active ingredients in them may also be absorbed into the bloodstream and pass into breast milk.

To relieve nasal congestion during a cold, apply a decongestant nasal spray directly to the nose. Decongestant sprays are less likely to enter the bloodstream and have an effect on breast milk production.

During breastfeeding, you should avoid medications containing codeine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, hydrocodone, phenylephrine, and pseudoephedrine. It is best to consult a doctor before using any medication while breastfeeding, including decongestant nasal sprays, to ensure their safety.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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