Breastfeeding with a cold. What can I take?

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I see decongestants are out. Anything other than paracetamol? What about vicks vapour rub? Baby has given me the cold but if I pump milk during this time will it be infected with the cold?

Not aware of any problems with Vicks, although bear in mind it can irritate baby's nostrils if s/he is still in your bedroom and you use it overnight. You're right that decongestants are not recommended as they can affect supply. Nothing drowsy-making (e.g. Night Nurse, NyQuil) if you co-sleep.

Your body is creating antibodies to fight the virus and they will be passed to baby through your milk, so it's important to feed as normal. It's common for the bf baby to be the only person in a household who doesn't get sick when everyone else is struck down by the lurgy.

You can't pass on a cold through your milk - though it will have antibodies to it.

Vicks shouldn't be a problem, anything with paracetamol, steam and nasal rinsing (eg Neti pot or Neilmed bottle) for the congestion works well - I actually find it works better than decongestants anyway.

Here's the BFN factsheet on cold meds, you can pretty much take most things except decongestants: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/dibm/Cough-and-Cold-Remedies-October-2011.pdf

You can take decongestants now, check the warnings on lemsip etc and it's not suitable for pregnant women but fine for breastfeeding. Can't do links on phone but I read up on it last week

I went to the chemist and tried to buy the nurofen cold tablets and the pharmacist really upset me as said no, and muttered something about 'non steroidals'. I asked her if she was suggesting that the ibuprofen was not allowed, and she said yes and the decongestant... I know ibuprofen is ok so now don't believe her at all. Left the shop with just paracetamol and almost in tears. Sorry for the rant, was just really cross :(
So, if the box doesn't mention not to use when breastfeeding does that mean I could use if desperate do you think? I've read Kelly mom on it and still can't decide. Feel dreadful still.

Decongestants dry up mucus secretions bye gnu ally milk producing glands are mucus producing glands so taking decongestants can dry up reduce the production of mucus and milk.

Treat yourself kindly and rest as much as possible. Take baby to bed with you or have someone bring baby regularly. Tell them about feeding cues rather than watching clock

Strong mints can help clear nose. Ibuprofen and patacetomol can be taken at their correct times apart but staggered together (if safe for you to take normally) so paracetamol at noon, ibuprofen at 2pm, paracetamol at 4pm etc up to max dose.

Colds are normally at their worst for a couple of days and cold remedies are there to help us carry on as normal. In this case it might be better to try resting as much as possible

Also honey and lemon fresh tea can really help sore throats

Hope you feel better soon

not being able to take mega-drugs for colds is the WORST thing about breastfeeding!

However, after 5 years of being either pg or bf or both, I can say that the best remedies for colds have been a hot toddy (with a drizzle-ette of whisky to taste, but mainly honey and lemon!), paracetamol, hot ribena, and steam inhalation for blocked sinuses. Oh, and not doing any housework for the duration, that's essential :o

Hope you feel better soon, and do watch out for secondary infections - I never used to get them with colds, but have needed further treatment for chest infections etc several times since DC arrived - I think possibly due to not getting a break to recover, as well as not being able to treat cold symptoms!

Yeah, I've got a few nasty chest/sinus secondary infections in the first year postpartum with both boys - partly because my asthma flares up in pregnancy and partly because I think my immune system is still dinged from preggo suppression.

There was a study in 2003 which found that pseudoephedrine significantly affects supply. Phenylephrine isn't tested so its effects are less well understood.

The labelling on lemsip etc will only indicate if a product is safe to take, i.e. they will cause no harm to bfing mum or baby. Decongestants won't harm baby as there is no risk as with, for example, aspirin. Drug companies won't label to warn of possible risk to supply.

Thanks for all your comments. I will try the honey and lemon thing tonight with a little whiskey. At least a little booze is allowed Going to snuggle on the sofa with baby so hopefully he'll be better tomorrow so I can get a better nights sleep.