Cough and cold remedies while breastfeeding - what BFing mums need to know!

[organiccarrotcake]

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/dibm/Cough-and-Cold-Remedies-October-2011.pdf

Given that 'tis the season to be snotty I thought I would share this.

Sorry, www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/pdfs/dibm/Cough-and-Cold-Remedies-October-2011.pdf

Thanks for putting this up. We've just started with colds and I'm BF our 1st and was worried about what is the best thing to do. Thanks

Glad it helped :)

For me it was the fact that decongestants are a real no-no which was a shock and a worry that it's not well known. I did phone the BfN helpline about a year ago wanting to know if it was ok as I had a stinker. Thank goodness I checked.

Lots of options of course - the old fashioned Vicks or menthol crystals etc, Olbas oil, that sort of thing.

Colds are miserable aren't they. Sorry you're suffering :(

A friend posted this on FB today - I don't think it was you OCC? ANyway, I found it really useful, I'm glad it's been updated. I'm sure it was different before and didn't spell out the problems with decongestants. The old version also didn't mention lozenges etc and whilst I have used them (Strepsils or equivalent) when BFing it did worry me a bit just because the active ingredient does say not to use while BFing. But then so does everything...

No I didn't post it, but it has been doing the rounds of Facebook on various BFing groups which is what made me think it was a good one to re-post here.

That's really interesting. I knew not to take decongestants, but not why. It does really help to understand the issue. So many things are 'not safe for breastfeeding mothers' that you do sometimes wonder if it's a bit like 'may contain nuts'.

Very true, second. So many meds which actually ARE safe are listed as not. Ironic that such a ubiquitous OTC med really is a potential problem.

Very useful :)
Also the Boots own brand equivalent of lemsip states that it is safe to use whilst breastfeeding.

How surprising and useful of it! I know the Lemsip equivlent we have is OK as it is just paracetamol and Vitamin C. Tastes horrible though, I'd rather take some paracetamol and then some hot lemon and honey to drink...