Talk

Flip

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Infant feeding

Can I use Olbas oil as a decongestant while bf'ing?

12 replies

GoodGollyMissMolly · 21/03/2008 15:59

I have a terrible cold and I am so bunged up, will I be able to sniff olbas oil to help a little bit?

OP posts:

Report

blondiep14 · 21/03/2008 16:53

Ditto - my sympathy!

Report

chipmonkey · 21/03/2008 16:55

It's safe to use while pregnant so should be fine for bf. You poor thing!

Report

CantSleepWontSleep · 21/03/2008 16:59

Yes, it's fine. You can also use a saline spray.

Report

GoodGollyMissMolly · 21/03/2008 20:50

Thankyou everyone. We have one of those diffuser things for DD as she has been bunged up also but it doesn't seem to help with me much. So I will be able to use the olbas oil now.

OP posts:

Report

tiktok · 22/03/2008 00:16

chipmonkey - just 'cos something is safe in pregnancy doesn't mean it's safe in breastfeeding.

However, olbas oil just works topically, not systemically, so there's no way it can get into the milk

Report

chipmonkey · 22/03/2008 14:03

Really, tiktok, how come?

Report

bonniefromboot · 22/03/2008 14:17

you can actually buy special olbas oil for babies?? not sure what's special about it. I have used it for my kids, put a few drop in the corner of their cot etc... just be careful not to let it touch skin cos it burns!!!

Report

VictorianPASqualor · 22/03/2008 14:29

Do you mean Karvol bonnie?

Report

chipmonkey · 22/03/2008 15:52

no, there is a kids Olbas oil but don't think you can use it for under two's

Report

SlightlyMadSweet · 22/03/2008 16:00

Kids Olbas oil is for Oover 3m. I couldn't get it a couple of weeks ago and their grown up one now says you can use 1 drop from 3m.

To answer Chipmonks Q.

Some medicines are safe in bf/pg as they are safe for baby even if tehy are exposed to them.
Some medicines are safe in pg as they do not cross the placenta - but they cross into bm and therefore not safe for bf.
Some medicines are safe in bf as they do not cross into teh milk - but may cross the blacenta so be dangerous for the foetus.

Also I think some things could be safe for a baby but not a foetus and vice versa.

On that basis you have to look at each drug on a case by case basis.

One thing to say is that Olbas/karvol menthol containing inhalants aren't suitable under 3m - so if your LO is under 3m be careful how much you use in close proximity to him/her because of direct exposure IYSWIM.