Many times when you have a cold, you automatically reach for the NyQuil or some other type of cold medicine. It’s important that you know that these options are not always considered safe when breastfeeding. That being said, no one wants to live with the symptoms of a cold, especially when trying to care for a baby. You need some relief, and there are several ways that you can get it!
Should I stop breastfeeding if I’m sick?
From the moment you are exposed to an illness, your immune system starts producing antibodies. These antibodies circulate throughout your body and into your breastmilk. Your breasts have immune receptors located on your areola, and these immune receptors communicate with your immune system. When your baby puts your breast in his mouth, your immune system is triggered to produce antibodies to protect the baby from every pathogen you are exposed to. The same goes for when your child is exposed to some thing that you are not. When he feeds, your breastmilk adjusts itself to produce the antibodies he needs to fight whatever sickness he is experiencing. In other words, if you or your baby have been exposed to or are experiencing any type of sickness, keep breastfeeding like normal. Your baby won’t catch any sickness through your breastmilk. In fact, breastfeeding will speed up your babies healing process.
Not only is breastfeeding safe while you are sick, but it is also a very good idea! Not only will you produce antibodies to help you and your baby recover faster, but you will also avoid all the issues that come with skipping nursing sessions. When you miss a feed, you can run into clogged ducts, mastitis, and low milk supply.
How to react to the first signs of a cold
- Bone broth. I recommend keeping the ingredients for bone broth in your freezer so that you can make some as soon as you start feeling a sickness coming on. Bone broth is an excellent way to soothe your throat, as well as replenish your body with the nutrients that it needs for healing. If you cannot drink your bone broth straight, throw some garlic, organic pasta, small chunks of chicken or beef and some vegetables in there to make a healthy and nourishing soup!
- Avoid sugar. Sugar feeds sickness, so avoiding sugar when you begin to feel a sickness coming on can help you recover quicker. Your a body also reacts to sugar with an inflammatory response, which can encourage the growth of viruses and infections.
- Rest. Resting when you have a around baby can honestly sound like a joke. There’s so much to do; laundry, dishes, keeping the floors clean, taking care of your baby, caring for any other children you have, making meals, etc. But resting is imperative for your body to reset and heal itself. Your body is going through a lot hormonally (breastfeeding) and trying to fight sickness. Give yourself a break! Let the dishes sit, let the laundry pile up, let your kids watch TV, GO REST! All of your responsibilities will still be there when you’re cold has passed. There’s no need to prioritize cooking, scheduling, or cleaning over your health. Lay in bed with your baby for a few hours and practice side-lying nursing. Keep your water and a basket full of snacks next to your bed so you don’t have to get up unless something else is calling out for your attention. Take a few days to slow down, you won’t regret it.
- Stay hydrated. Sickness is a time where your body is doing a lot and breastfeeding can be considered an “extra” thing that your body is doing. Therefore, if you are not staying hydrated, your milk supply can dip significantly. Keep a cup near you at all times so you don’t forget to drink. Mix it up and don’t only drink water, try some teas and rehydration drinks as well!
- Colloidal Silver. Colloidal silver is a natural antiviral, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antibacterial immune system booster. You can put it in any drink or take it straight. Either way, colloidal silver is an excellent, breastfeeding safe preventative healer. It can help prevent the sickness as well as shorten the duration of your sickness.
How to deal with fevers
Fevers are your body‘s way of fighting an infection. Having a fever is actually a sign of a very healthy immune system! Having a fever is not a bad thing, but it can be dangerous if it gets too high or lasts too long. Keep an eye on your body’s temperature and do what you can to nourish and strengthen your body while it tries to fight whatever sickness you may have. The best thing you can do for your body while fighting a fever, is to maintain hydration. Not only will your milk supply suffer if you get dehydrated, but hydration is key when a fever is present.
Safe herbs and remedies
- As discussed in my blog post about pregnancy-safe remedies, elderberry is an excellent way to treat a cold. Elderberry has been known to reduce fevers, fight viruses and infections, relax your musculoskeletal system, boost your immune system, and help you sleep better. Elderberry is an excellent antibacterial herb that is gentle and safe for breastfeeding.
- If you are also suffering from a cough, try wild cherry bark. Wild cherry bark is an excellent expectorant that helps calm most coughs, and it’s also an effective decongestant . Nothing is worse than trying to breastfeed while also coughing your head off. Wild cherry bark can be taken as a syrup or a tea to help ease your throat and calm your cough.
- Echinacea is very effective at the first sign of a cold. Echinacea works by boosting your immune system and promoting the production of antibodies. Many women find that echinacea tea is very calming, and it can also be found in pill form.
- Lavender is a strong antiseptic. It is also quite calming, so even just diffusing lavender in whatever room you are resting in can help combat a cold.
- Epsom salt baths are an excellent option for breastfeeding mamas. Soaking in an Epson salt bath boosts your immune system, relaxes your muscles, calms aches and pains, and helps fight off infections by increasing your white blood cell count. An Epsom salt bath is an excellent time to use your lavender! Lavender and Epsom salts work great together! (Many people associate Epsom salt baths with a eucalyptus scent, eucalyptus is not safe while breastfeeding so make sure your Epsom salts aren’t scented before use.)
- Honey is a natural antioxidant healer. Using honey in your tea or even by the spoonful can help suppress a cough, ease a sore throat, and boost your immunity. Honey tastes great when combined with tea and lemon, so it makes for a delicious treat when you aren’t feeling well! Honey is also a natural decongestant, which makes it a great option for those times when you can’t breathe.
- Garlic is great for fighting off infections and viruses like the common cold. Garlic has many healing properties which fight off bacteria in your body. Some women find that they cannot use garlic when breastfeeding because it upsets their baby’s stomach, but this is not the case for everyone. If you do not know whether or not your baby is affected by garlic, try some crushed garlic in your bone broth or soup and see how it goes. If you are able to use it, there’s a chance that it can clear your sinuses, boost your immune system, fight off a developing cold, and speed up your recovery time.
- Many people don’t realize that their gut is their first line of defense when it comes to fighting off sicknesses. Consuming prebiotics and probiotics promotes healthy digestion and fights off infections in the body. Probiotics help your immune system work properly and fight off and prevent colds from happening in the first place. You can find probiotics in foods such as sauerkraut, kiefer, yogurt, and kombucha. Or you can purchase active probiotics online.
- Vitamin C is a well known remedy for the common cold. Vitamin C is completely safe when breastfeeding even in large doses. Vitamin C can strengthen the immune system and reduce the duration and severity of a cold.
- Ginger contains a potent amount of polyphenol. This compound is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial, which can drive out a cold. Ginger is also soothing as it provides a warm feeling in the back of your throat, and can calm the itchy feeling of a dry cough. It can also boost your immune system by improving your gut health.
Several breastfeeding safe oils
Many people question what oils are safe to use when breastfeeding. Here is a short list of a few oils you may have on hand that will be safe for diffusing and using in a carrier oil on your skin. (This list is safe for Mama, speak with your child’s pediatrician before using any types of oils on them.)
- Lemon balm. Lemon balm has potent antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
- Tea tree. Tea tree oil has potent antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
- Lavender. Lavender is calming and is a powerful antioxidant.
- Oregano or oil of oregano. Oregano is also a strong antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial.
In conclusion
If you are breastfeeding and feel a cold or cough coming on, don’t fret! There are many natural remedies that you can try to boost your immune system and clear up a cold, cough, or even the flu. Be sure to run anything you take while breastfeeding by your doctor or midwife. They will be able to better fill you in on dosages for things that make irritate your babies tummy. Everyone’s body is different and everyone’s medicinal needs are also different. Also, don’t be too concerned if your milk supply dwindles during a time of sickness. This is very normal, and will most likely resolve itself after you are feeling better!
Disclaimer: All content and media on the Creating a Better Birth website is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or call emergency services. If you choose to rely on any information provided by Creating a Better Birth, you do so solely at your own risk.