When you have the flu, breastfeeding mothers should not take medicine carelessly, especially over-the-counter medicines. However, if not treated immediately, the flu may infect the baby, you know. Then, what kind of cold medicine is safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume?
Flu or influenza is a disease that is transmitted by a virus. You can get this virus through splashes of saliva in the air, which is released by sufferers when sneezing and coughing, or when accidentally touching objects that have been exposed to the flu virus. If you experience it, you will feel symptoms such as fever, runny nose, stuffy nose, and headache.
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Actually, if you get enough rest and adequate daily fluid intake, the flu can heal by itself. However, if the flu you are experiencing is so severe that it interferes with your daily activities, you are advised to take medication so that the symptoms subside quickly, so that you can take care of your baby again.
The following are some choices of cold medicines for breastfeeding mothers that are safe for consumption:
1. Paracetamol
Paracetamol is safe for breastfeeding mothers to take when they have a cold because it does not affect breast milk supply. This drug works by reducing the production of substances that cause inflammation, namely prostaglandins.
With decreased levels of prostaglandins in the body, it will make fever and pain subside. But if you take other cold medicines, make sure that the medicine you take does not contain paracetamol too, so that the dose you take is not excessive.
2. Decongestants
Decongestant drugs containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephedrine used to relieve a stuffy nose during a cold. For breastfeeding mothers, decongestant drugs in the form of drops are recommended because they are believed to have no effect on breast milk supply and are safe for babies.
3. Ibuprofen
Although this medicine passes into breast milk, you need not worry as it is harmless to you and your baby. Ibuprofen has no side effects on your baby. This drug can reduce the symptoms of fever, muscle aches, and headaches during the flu.
4. Antihistamines
If your flu is caused by an allergic reaction, you will need a cold medicine that contains an antihistamine. However, this type of drug tends to have a drowsy side effect after being taken. If you want to take an antihistamine, choose loratadine or ceritizine because they are less likely to make you sleepy.
In addition to the four types of drugs above, flu can also be cured quickly if you eat healthy foods, drink lots of water, humidify the air at home using a humidifier, and get enough rest.
Anticipating Transmission Through Physical Contact with Babies
Even though you have the flu, it doesn't mean you are absent from the obligation to breastfeed your baby, right? You don't have to be afraid to keep breastfeeding. Because when sick, babies will get antibodies or immune substances through breast milk. This is very useful to ward off the attack of the disease that is being suffered by you.
So that your little one does not catch the flu that you are suffering from, the following steps can be taken, including:
- Don't sneeze in front of the baby, and wear a mask while you are sick.
- Wash your hands with soap every time you touch or hold your baby.
- Put a clean blanket on the baby while you hold him.
- Do not share eating utensils, such as glasses, plates, and bowls with the baby.
- Clean your breasts with warm water and soap when you want to breastfeed.
Those are the four cold medicines for breastfeeding mothers that can be taken when the flu hits. However, if you are in doubt, don't hesitate to consult your doctor first regarding what kind of flu medicine is right for your condition.