As a mom you make many sacrifices to ensure the health and safety of your baby. Breastfeeding is no exception. Breastfeeding mamas should be mindful about what we consume or ingest as it can impact the health of baby. In the event of a cold or flu, you may be wondering if Tylenol or other cold medicine is safe to take.
Luckily, according to the CDC, most medications are safe while breastfeeding, but there are few exceptions. Keep reading to learn which common medications are safe while breastfeeding and where to look for the most up to date information.
Can I take Tylenol Cold and Flu while breastfeeding?
One of the most commonly reached for cold meds is Tylenol Cold and Flu. This combination of acetaminophen (a pain reliever), chlorpheniramine (an antihistamine), phenylephrine (a decongestant), and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) can knock out most cold symptoms in a jiffy. But, is it safe while breastfeeding? Let's break it down.
- Acetaminophen: The amount of acetaminophen pain reliever that could be absorbed into your baby’s blood stream via your breast milk is very low.
- Chlorpheniramine: Most antihistamines are considered safe while breastfeeding when taken in low doses. There is a possibility that this decongestant may affect your milk supply, though.
- Dextromethorphan: When taken in correct doses, the amount of this drug that makes it through to your breastmilk is unlikely to be sufficient enough to affect your baby at all.
- Phenylephrine: The short of the long is - there is not sufficient research on this specific drug to confidently determine its safety while breastfeeding. Avoiding it may be best. That said, it is known that many decongestants won’t harm your baby when used minimally for short periods.
To determine what’s safe for you and your baby, contact your pediatrician or ask a local pharmacist.
Does Tylenol cold affect milk supply?
Tylenol cold can affect your milk supply. Many over-the- counter cold medicines contain ingredients such as pseudoephedrine or chlorpheniramine that may lower breast milk production. Some other common medications that may hinder your body’s ability to produce milk are NyQuil, Benadryl, Sudafed, and DayQuil. If it is necessary to take any medications that affect milk supply, there are some things that you can try in an attempt to combat any supply changes.
- Feed frequently to signal a boost in production
- Feed from both breasts during each session
- Sleep well (keep reading to learn how we can help with that one!)
- Eat nutritionally dense meals
- Relax (as much as you can)
What medicines can you not take while breastfeeding?
The good news is that there are only very few medications known to pose a significant risk to baby’s wellbeing. Some of the drugs that should be avoided while breastfeeding are chemotherapy medications, any recreational/street drug, some anticonvulsants, certain migraine medications such as ergot alkaloids, and any radioactive compound. Of course, for the best information, speak with your doctor about any potential risks of certain medications while breastfeeding. While some medications are a “hard no” while breastfeeding, others may only carry a small risk. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of any treatment methods.
How long after taking Tylenol can I breastfeed?
Tylenol (acetaminophen), on its own, is completely safe while breastfeeding. There is no need to wait any amount of time after taking Tylenol before you breastfeed your baby. Additionally, there is no need to (pump-and-dump) after taking Tylenol either.
How can I fight a cold while breastfeeding?
While there are many cold medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding, there are also some more natural alternatives you can try first. Here are some ideas broken down by symptom.
- Cough: Adding a dollop of honey to some warm water or tea can soothe even the most vicious coughs. Do not share honey with infants under 12 months though.
- Congestion: Those same warm fluids that host your honey may also help break up congestion as well. Additionally, a steamy shower could do the trick. If that fails, reach for some saline nasal spray.
- Sore throat: Cold things such as popsicles may help inflammation and reduce irritation while warm things such as hot tea or soup may soothe a scratchy throat. A 30 second gargle with some warm salt water may also help.
Your primary care physician or nurse’s line may have additional recommendations for drug-free relief.
How do you pass a cold to a newborn?
Unfortunately, many common illnesses are passed very easily to newborns through direct contact or germs spread by sneezing, coughing, and even talking. So, if you have a cold or other illness and breastfeed, it is possible that your baby may contract the same illness.
However, germs do not travel through your breastmilk. Practicing handwashing, wearing a mask, and sanitizing surfaces can help keep your baby safe from illnesses. Illnesses aren’t spread via breast milk - but, something amazing can happen to your breastmilk while you (or your baby) are sick.
When mothers breastfeed, their breasts actually absorb “backwash” from their baby’s drool. (Sounds gross right? Trust us, it’s cool - keep reading.)
The saliva that flows upstream while your baby eats is actually coded with information catered to your little one’s particular needs. So, the benefits of breastfeeding while sick are actually two fold. For one, your body is already producing antibodies that you share with your baby via your milk. Second, if your baby does end up catching your bug, their saliva will put in an order for some germ-fighting breast milk. If you ever pump, compare milk from when your baby is well to when they are sick. There is often even a visible difference. Cool, right?
Do I need to pump and dump while I'm taking medicine?
There is no clear answer to this question as it will depend on your baby’s feeding schedule, the medication you are taking, and many other factors. It is best to speak with your doctor for the safest advice regarding medication and dumping your milk.
Conclusion
Remembering all the do’s and don’t of breastfeeding and medications can be difficult - especially through that sleepless fog in the early months. For reliable information regarding medication safety while breastfeeding, parents can refer to the LactMed® database. To help your baby (and you) get more sleep, let Dreamland Baby take some of the weight (no pun intended). Our gently weighted sleep solutions are designed to help your little one fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Sleep is an important part of wellness. Shop Dreamland Baby today for sleep solutions for your baby. . . they can benefit you, too!
Sources:
Can I take Tylenol Cold and Flu while breastfeeding?
How long after taking Tylenol can I breastfeed?
https://www.medicinenet.com/take_tylenol_cold_and_flu_while_breastfeeding/article.htm
Does Tylenol cold affect milk supply? - milk supply
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/cold-symptoms/can-i-take-cold-medications-while-breastfeeding
Does Tylenol cold affect milk supply?
https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/low-milk-supply
What medicines can you not take while breastfeeding?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2145042/#:~:text=ANSWER%3A%20Only%20a%20few%20drugs,and%20lithium%20should%20be%20monitored.
How can I fight a cold while breastfeeding?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cold-medicine-while-breastfeeding-safe-brands-and-remedies-5208186
How do you pass a cold to a newborn? - germs spread
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold-in-babies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351651#:~:text=When%20someone%20who%20is%20sick,Contaminated%20surfaces.
How do you pass a cold to a newborn?
https://www.sciencenews.org/blog/growth-curve/backwash-nursing-babies-may-trigger-infection-fighters
