Help! Breastfeeding + cold, what can I take?

[Rachie1986]

Dd 18wks. Have come down with bad cold tonight, blocked/runny nose, sore throat, headache etc.

I think it's ok to keep breastfeeding?

Can I take any cold/flu remedies as I'm bf?

I did.

Keep your fluids up though.. more than usual.

No, nothing that contains decongestant as it will dry up your milk. Paracetamol and ibuprofen at normal dose, and things like olbas/Vick. Honey and lemon? I was given simple linctus syrup for a cough when I was bf.

Yes keep bf trough it.

Orange juice for the vitamin c might be good?

Accept all help that's offered and if you can't sleep between feeds then try to rest. Ignore housework and washing. Seriously. Your job is to feed your baby and get better.

Lots of tea, water and cake for you. Feet up. Telly on.
Congratulations on your baby.

Boots have an own brand cold and flu sachets that are fine while breastfeeding. They also have a nasal spray which I think is okay too. It's meant to help prevent colds/flu, but I find it makes me feel a bit better too.

Like gamerchick said, lots of fluids. Hot blackcurrant/honey and lemon etc. Paracetamol is fine too. Warm baths, hot water bottle, and Vicks (but not on your chest) may all help.

It's absolutely fine to keep breastfeeding - you will be giving your antibodies to your DD, and helping to keep her fluids up too.

This is the Boots Cold and Flu stuff. The product information says you can take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Wow fast responses thank you!

Have taken paracetamol, drunk a large drink (if only it could have been alcoholic) fed baby and handed her over to dh (seriously hoping she sleeps a long time tonight). In bed.

Will she catch my cold?

What about strepsils etc? Anyone know if they're ok? (Not that I have any...)

If you're breastfeeding you'll be giving her antibodies to help her fend it off or she may get it as mild. Don't worry.

Am also very achy but that might be because today was the day I decided a 4mile walk with pram when I never usually walk far was a great idea (seriously would have avoided if I knew this was on its way!)

Thanks again lovely mumsnetters

Hope you get plenty of sleep tonight. Is your DH at home tomorrow too? There's lots of information on this BFN factsheet on colds . They also have a phoneline you can call if there is anything specific you need to check.

Thanks Redkites, v. Useful info.

Yep dh home on days off for the next few thankfully. And dd (very darling right now!) slept til 6.30 so a great stretch. Feel pretty awful but hopefully it's short lived...

I'm glad you at least got some sleep. Hope you're feeling better soon.

If you are decongestant steam really works well. Sitting in a small room filled with steam really helps.

Also recommend steam, plus the Neilmed sinus rinse thing - I can't take decongestants even when not BF and I find it brilliant. Hope you're feeling better soon.