Breastfeeding question from a new Auntie...

[Connie12]

Hello Mommies-to-Be!! I'm rather new to the forums, but have quickly noted how great the wealth of information is here. So when my sister, a new breastfeeding mother, came up with a question I knew where to come.

My new mommy sister is coming down with a cold. She's got a very sore throat, is congested, nose is runny and feels tired. She doesn't have a fever. We've got 2 questions. First, is it ok for her to continue breastfeeding? If so, is it ok for her to take OTC cold relievers (like Nyquil etc) while breastfeeding? She's a single mother who lives with my parents. She's alone all day with the baby so if she can't breastfeed and she's not supposed be the one bottle feeding we're not sure what to do. I'd really appreciate some help, suggestions, comments, anything.

Thanks so much,
Aunt Connie

 

[FiddleFit]

Hi Aunt Connie!! How exciting to have a new baby in the family!

Your sister absolutely, positively can and SHOULD continue nursing the baby. But she absolutely, positively SHOULD NOT take OTC cold medications. She needs to try other alternatives to find some symptom relief for herself, such as drinking honey-lemon tea, getting as much sleep as she can, using Vick's Vapo-rub in her nostrils, etc. She can take Tylenol (acetaminaphin), and I believe ibuprofen is also okay (phone the pharmacist and make sure).

I've been through this many times; it's no fun, but it's possible.

Good luck to her! I hope she's feeling better really soon.
Sandra

 

[tricia]

Keep on Breastfeeding!

Hello Aunt Connie,

Aren't you a good sister to help out like this! OK, here is what I can tell you from my own experience (I breastfed my three children, DD now 4 and B/G twins, 21 months.) Tell your sister to continue breastfeeding. Here is an amazing fact about the female body - whatever your sister has, her body will automatically produce the antibodies in her milk to keep the baby from getting it. This doesn't mean the baby won't get sick, but it will give the little sweetie a much better shot at staying healthy than if she were to abruptly stop nursing. (Which, BTW, would be brutal for her - she could develop mastitis or plugged ducts which are very painful. Been there, done that!)
However, your sister will not be able to take any OTC meds like Nyquil, for her symptoms. Tylenol is ok. Check with the hospital where she had the baby, they may have a lactation hotline for questions just like these. They could tell her what she can do for herself and continue to nurse. I am home all day with my babies, so I can understand how tough that can be when you're the only one there to care for the baby. I think it's great that she is nursing her baby - it is such a good choice for her and the baby. I don't always get to check in every day, but feel free to email me if she (or you!) have any other questions. I also have some nursing books that I don't need that she is welcome to have.

Tricia

 

[Connie12]

RE: Keep on Breastfeeding!

Thank you both so much!! I really appreciate your help so late in the evening! I've passed on your advice to my sister, and it was a big relief to her. Her baby girl just turned 4 months on October 1st, and is an adorable baby. This is the first grandbaby in our family and she's great loved.

Thank you again so much!!

Aunt Connie

 

[shopaholic]

RE: Keep on Breastfeeding!

Congrats on your new niece! You or sis can always call the pharmacist. Sudafed is safe during pregnancy and nursing and is a great decongestant. I agree with everyone else, she should continue nursing.