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If you are breastfeeding, it’s important to be careful about what you put into your body, as what you ingest can enter your breast milk and thus be ingested by your baby.
While most cold medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding, make sure to first:
Generally, the amount of medicine that enters your milk when breastfeeding is much lower (about 5-10 times lower) than the amount your baby would be exposed to while in your uterus.
However, because these drugs do enter your milk in small quantities, try to stick with the lowest possible dose you need to treat your symptoms. Also, to minimize any possible effects on your baby, you can feed your baby first and then take the medicine.
What cold medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding?
Cold medicines that are considered safe to take while breastfeeding include:
It is also safe to get the flu vaccine when you are breastfeeding.
What antibiotics are safe to take while breastfeeding?
Antibiotics that are generally safe to take while breastfeeding include:
What medicines to avoid while breastfeeding
Medicines that should be avoided while breastfeeding include:
What home remedies can you try to treat a cold?
One of the most amazing characteristics of human milk is how it adapts. As mother and baby are exposed to bacteria and viruses, breast milk includes antibodies specific to those antigens, as well as disease-fighting substances that help prevent many common illnesses. A mother will pass antibodies to her baby through her milk, which can destroy bacteria in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract before they have a chance to make the baby sick.
If you are trying to beat your cold naturally, you can try the following home remedies:
For some mothers, the thought of taking meds while pregnant or breastfeeding is scary. You are doing your best to stay healthy and decrease your baby’s exposure to chemicals. However, sometimes, the judicious use of medicines that can help you feel well enough to get through the day is the best thing you can do for yourself and your baby. When in doubt, call your doctor.
©1996-2021 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Terms of Use. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.