Breastfeeding and decongestant

[ThisIslandGirl]

Can anyone advise please?

DS (5 months) and I both have a stinking cold, feel crap and very congested. It's his first cold so horrible to watch him unhappy.

Usually when having a cold I would take a decongestant containing phenylephrine, but I have read that this can decrease milk production, which I obviously don't want. Does anyone have first hand experience of this? And is anyone aware of any alternatives that are effective? Or any natural remedies you would swear by other than sitting in a steamy room which I will be doing for DS anyway.

[Nousername2015]

I do. I took some sachets when I had a bad cold and wasn't aware that it could have an effect on supply. It had quite a significant effect for me and resulted in a week of pumping and taking fenugreek. Ds also dropped a centile which I felt so guilty about.
All I can advise is lots of hot drinks and water, eat well and get in a steamy room when you can. If ds has a cold I feed him with the shower running so it's a great excuse to get yourself a hot bath and relax. Get well soon.

[Nousername2015]

Sorry, just seen you intend to do the steam thing!

[ThisIslandGirl]

Thank you so much for responding nousername2015, I will steer well clear then and ride it out without. DS is already underweight so don't want to make things worse. Thanks again.