Cold Medicine while breastfeeding

[Hope2OneDay]

I'm coming down with a cold and still breastfeeding. First, will my dd end up with this cold virus simply from drinking my breastmilk? Second, what kind of meds can I take that won't affect her? I prefer Dayquil and Nyquil, but am willing to take whatever I can to get through this thing. My son has been sick with on and off fevers, and is congested, so I'm probably going to have the same symptoms. Crossing my fingers it's just a cold with no fever. But I need to know about bf while running a fever as well as taking meds just in case.

Thanks...

[tiredbuthappy]

your DD is actually LESS likely to get the cold if you breastfeed her because you are passing on the antibodies you are developing through the breastmilk. So many women on here comment about how the entire family gets sick, but the nursing baby either doesn't get it, or gets a much milder case.

as for medications, http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/cold-remedy.html gives a pretty good breakdown of what you can take. It also includes many non-medicated remedies that can help ease symptoms. In general, most medications are safe. However, certain medications may result in a temporary drop in supply. I think things that dry you up like antihistimines and sudafed may have this effect. If it does affect your supply, it shouldn't be permanent and it will increase as soon as you are better. Make sure to get plenty of fluids and rest- that can help maintain your supply.

My best advice would be for you to treat each symptom specifically. A Dayquil or Nyquil may contain more medications than you need because they treat all cold symptoms. If you don't have a cough, you wouldn't need the cough suppressant in it. If you don't have a fever or aches, you wouldn't need the tylenol in it. They do now make medications with specific formulations to treat different symptoms. You can find them in the cold section of the pharmacy. Your pharmacist can help you choose the best one for you.

I hope you feel better soon!!!

[Hope2OneDay]

Thanks for the advice and the helpful website!