Cold Medications for Breastfeeding: What is Safe?

As a new mum, you want to ensure that everything you do is safe for your baby, especially when it comes to medications and remedies. Breastfeeding mothers often face concerns about using common over-the-counter medications, such as Vicks VapoRub, to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

FAQ:

These are some of the most commonly asked questions. Please read on for more details. 

Can I use Vicks while breastfeeding?

Yes, although it should not be placed on the chest as it poses a risk to the eyes of breastfed infants.

What is the best way to treat a cold while breastfeeding?

The best way to treat a cold is always through steam inhalation, though please keep babies away from hot water and steam.

Should I still breastfeed with a cold or the flu?

Yes. Continuing to breastfeed through cold or flu will not weaken the mother nor harm the baby. In fact, the baby will receive beneficial antibodies from the mother to protect them from infection. 

I’m worried about my baby, who should I speak to?

Always trust your parental instinct. If you are concerned about yourself or your baby, please speak to local health care providers as soon as possible.

Cold and Flu Symptoms:

The common symptoms of cold and flu are: 

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle aches
• Fever

Here are the symptoms of cold and flu in babies: 

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Cough
• Fever
• More frequent feeding
• Coming off the breast throughout feeds
• Crying during feeds

These symptoms can be incredibly uncomfortable, but relief is possible through various means, including over-the-counter remedies. However, when you’re a breastfeeding mother, you may wonder if it’s safe for your baby.

Safe Treatment Options:

Thankfully, there are a range of safe medications for the relief of cold and flu symptoms for breastfeeding mothers, although these are all intended for short-term use and should not be taken in large amounts.

Steam

The first option should always be steam inhalation and menthol or eucalyptus oil can be added for their cooling effects. Vicks can be used in this way by melting two teaspoonsfull into hot water. This is a perfectly safe method to use for breastfeeding mothers, although it is a good idea to ask someone else to care for the baby or place them in their crib away from the steam to ensure they are kept safe from the risks of scalding. You can keep the atmosphere moist by using vapourisers, steam generators, or a damp towel over a radiator. Calpol vapour plug-ins are suitable for babies over 3 months and can help to relieve the symptoms of a runny nose in babies without the danger of steam. Never place a baby near hot water or steam.

Topical ointments

Vicks VapoRub is designed to be used on the skin, predominantly on the chest. This is not recommended, however, for breastfeeding mothers. Whilst the Vicks itself is unlikely to harm the baby, the smell can be overwhelming and if they are placed to the breast to feed, there is a danger of the ointment transferring from your chest into their eyes. The best-recommended method for using Vicks whilst breastfeeding is to put it on your feet under socks, or rub it onto a hanky that you can smell regularly without placing it too close to the baby. Vicks alternative, Snufflebaby can be used on children over 6 months, but still should not be placed onto your chest due to the risk of it going in the baby’s eyes. 

Nasal Sprays

Difficulty breathing can be combatted with a nasal decongestant. Sprays are effective and do not have any effect on milk supply as they work only in the nasal passages. It is recommended to use a nasal decongestant containing xylometaxoline or oxymetazoline. These do not produce wakefulness, or reduce breastmilk supply but should not be used for more than seven days.

Oral Medications

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are both fine pain relievers and fever reducers for a breastfeeding mother to take in normal doses. If the child is receiving paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief or to relieve their cold or flu symptoms, the additional passage from the milk is unlikely to be clinically significant, so both mother and baby can take these at the same time in normal doses without unwanted side effects. 

Cough medicines containing guaifenesin or that are linctus-based are both safe to use without adverse effects at the recommended dose.  

Lozenges and pastilles will not cause adverse reactions as they do not produce sufficient absorption of ingredients to pass through to breast milk. 

Alternative Medications

Many breastfeeding mothers turn to natural remedies rather than cold medications. Echinacea is thought to increase immunity and fight the symptoms of cold and flu – these products are safe to take whilst breastfeeding. Also safe to take are Vitamin C and Zinc, though there is limited evidence of their efficacy. 

Unsafe Treatment Options

Sadly, many over-the-counter cold and flu medications are not suitable for use during breastfeeding. It is important to note, that if taken in error, the risk to the baby is remote, but the products should be discontinued immediately. 

Decongestant Tablets, Powders, or Drinks

Whilst these oral decongestants boast to be the best option to relieve nasal congestion, there are potentially significant effects on milk production resulting in poor feeding and therefore should be avoided.

Cold and flu medicines

OTC medications such as Sudafed and Day/Night Nurse sadly contain ingredients that are not suitable for breastfeeding mothers. 

Pseudoephedrine is secreted into breastmilk at low levels, and whilst the calculated dose that would be absorbed by the infant is very low it can reduce milk supply by up to 24%. 

Phenylephrine is not absorbed well by the gut and is unlikely to be passed onto the infant in normal doses, but has a significant impact on breastmilk production, especially for older babies. 

Products containing aspirin should be avoided due to the risk of Reye Syndrome.

Antihistamines

Many antihistamines include the medications listed above, but also they can cause drowsiness in infants, resulting in missed feeds.

Closing Thoughts

It is generally safe to use Vicks VapoRub while breastfeeding when used as above in small amounts for short-term relief of cold and flu symptoms. However, it’s essential to exercise caution, consult your healthcare provider, and be mindful of your baby’s possible reactions. Remember that this information serves as a guide and not a definitive answer, as individual circumstances may vary. Always prioritize the well-being of both you and your baby, and do not hesitate to seek professional advice when needed. The good news is that there are safe options available to help you find relief from cold symptoms without compromising your breastfeeding journey.

Ultimately, the decision to use Vicks VapoRub or any other remedy while breastfeeding should be made with careful consideration of your specific circumstances and under the guidance of a medical professional. Your baby’s health and well-being are paramount, and with the right precautions, you can navigate the challenges of cold and flu season as a breastfeeding mother.

The information provided is taken from a variety of reliable sources and as such should be treated as a guideline. No responsibility can be taken by the author for the way in which the information is used and/or interpreted. Clinical decisions are the responsibility of medical practitioners and you must seek professional advice before committing to treatment. The information provided is intended to present some immediate information but cannot replace input from trained healthcare professionals. 

If you enjoyed this post, you may enjoy reading about my thoughts on breastfeeding in Leeds.