Please offer suggestions. I'm sick and don't know what meds I can take.

[bubblesteach]

I am very sick and I don't know what medications I can take while nursing. This is my first baby I've nursed so I'm not familuar w/what medications you can and can not take. I have a very bad sore throat, cough and runny nose as well as heavy mucus in my throat. What can I take for this? Also if you know of any web sites that have a list of medications that are safe while breast feeding that would be helpful too. I have a list of what I could and could not take during pregnancy but I know some medications that were safe during preg. aren't while nursing. Thanks so much for your help with this.

* I know about the salt water gargle and it makes me gag so that's out of the question for me.

[mistylaureena]

I really don't know of any ones that are safe while BFing?? Sorry no help here.
I bet you could do the throat spray very sparingly since you aren't necessarily ingesting hardly any and it would help with the throat

I think you might just have to ride it out

[kaylabelle05]

You can take OTC cold medicines. But if they have "true" Sudafed you need to watch out for a drop in supply. I do not know about the new "Sudafed" and how it works on milk supply.

I would take a Sudafed and take extra Fenugreek and Domperidone. If I didn't take the extra, my supply would be almost non-exsistent (lost my supply after a MC). I would also not take as much.

Robitussin is an L2 and most others are L2 too. Just need to watch for sedation in ones that have "Benadryl" in it and supply drop with "Sudafed" in it.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/meds/index.html is a perfect site for what you want/need

[Guardandolaluna]

Try to ride it out if you can.. but if it is really bad, try www.kellymom.com

hope you feel better!

[bubblesteach]

thanks so much. I think I'll take a Claritin and see how that makes me feel.

[kezoo]

Mama, check out Dr. Hale's website (he's done TONS of research on how medicines affect human mik - his book "Medications and Mother's Milk" is a reference for many lactation professionals). Many medicines are technically "safe" for baby, but may affect your milk supply, which is obviously NOT what you want. Do NOT take anything w/ pseudoephedrine - it causes a drop in supply (I found this out the hard way).
http://neonatal.ama.ttuhsc.edu/cgi-b...s&access=guest

I would also suggest getting some Xclear nasal moisturizing spray (drug free) - it contains saline, xylitol (which is a natural sugar that most bacteria cannot use to grow) and GSE. I use it everyday and it has REALLY helped my cold frequency (e.g. I never really get a fullblown cold anymore). Also, for a sore throat, gargle w/ sal****er and follow w/ a spoonful of honey. It really works and is obviously safe for baby.

[*Alabamamom*]

I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for my lactation consultants! I was hospitalized when the baby was 7 weeks old due to pneumonia and they put all kinds of meds in me... My LC's really pulled me through and I got my milk supply back up... So, if you're ever in doubt I'd recommend called your nearest hospitals' lactation consultant department because they know every thing you can take that is safe for baby... I know mine have totally been my rock and when I've ever been in doubt, I'd put a call into them! (And they never charge a dime for sharing such valuable information!) Good luck!