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Cold Season Survival for Breastfeeding Parents: Remedies and Resources

Feb 7, 2025 | Breastfeeding

Mother breastfeeding baby boy while sitting at home during cold season

Dealing with a cold while breastfeeding can be challenging, as lactating parents often worry about the safety of medications and remedies for their baby. Fortunately, many cold remedies are compatible with breastfeeding, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) can offer valuable guidance during this time. This article explores safe options for managing cold symptoms and highlights how IBCLCs support lactating parents.

Understanding Safety While Breastfeeding

When choosing cold remedies, it’s essential to consider how medications or natural remedies might affect milk supply or transfer to breast milk. In general, most medications for cold relief are safe for lactating parents, with minimal transfer to breast milk. However, some ingredients should be used with caution to avoid potential effects on milk supply or the baby.

For any medications a lactating parent is considering taking, here are some easily accessible evidence-based resources for parents and healthcare providers to consult:  

LactMed database– Free searchable database from NIH on medications and lactation.

InfantRisk Center– parents and providers can call directly with medication questions- 1-806-352-2519

MommyMeds app by InfantRisk– Medications are categorized as L1 through L5, with L1 being safest. 

Trash the Pump and Dump

Safe Cold Remedies for Lactating Parents

Here are some safe and effective remedies to manage cold symptoms while breastfeeding:

  1. Hydration and Rest:
    • Drink plenty of fluids, including water, herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger), and clear broths.  Avoid excessive intake of peppermint tea, which can decrease milk supply.
    • Rest as much as possible to support recovery.
  2. Saline Nasal Sprays, Gargles, or Rinses:
    • These help relieve nasal congestion without the use of medication.
    • Salt water gargle:  Mix a 1 tablespoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. Gargle the whole mixture (don’t swallow) several times a day.
  3. Steam Inhalation:
    • Use a bowl of hot water or a humidifier to inhale steam, which can soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus.
  4. Honey and Lemon:
    • A mixture of honey and lemon in warm water can help soothe a sore throat.
    • Avoid giving honey directly to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
  5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
    • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil): Safe for pain relief and fever reduction.
    • Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine may decrease milk supply in some cases; use sparingly and monitor supply.
    • Antihistamines: Non-sedating options like loratadine (Claritin) are less likely to cause drowsiness in you or your baby.
  6. Nutritional Remedies:
    • Increase intake of anti-inflammatory foods, such as garlic, leafy greens, olive oil, herbs and spices, and berries.
    • Reduce intake of reducing inflammation-promoting foods, such as processed meats, foods high in saturated fat, sugary drinks, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates.

Remedies to Use With Caution

Some remedies require caution due to potential effects on milk supply or the baby:

  • Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine, while effective, can decrease milk production in some lactating parents.
  • Mentholated Products: Excessive use of menthol-based rubs or lozenges may reduce milk supply.
  • Essential Oils: While some, like eucalyptus, can be helpful, they should be used sparingly and diluted.

How IBCLCs Support Lactating Parents During Illness

IBCLCs provide tailored advice and reassurance to breastfeeding parents managing colds. Their expertise ensures that parents can recover while maintaining their breastfeeding relationship.

  1. Medication Safety Guidance: IBCLCs can help identify cold remedies that are safe for both parent and baby, minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
  2. Monitoring Milk Supply: If a parent’s milk supply decreases due to illness or medication, IBCLCs offer strategies to maintain or increase supply.  
  3. Supporting Baby’s Health IBCLCs reassure parents that breastfeeding provides antibodies and immune support to help protect the baby from illness.
  4. Addressing Feeding Challenges: Illness can sometimes make breastfeeding more difficult, particularly if the parent is congested or fatigued. IBCLCs provide practical tips to make nursing more comfortable.
  5. Emotional Support: Being sick while caring for an infant can be overwhelming. IBCLCs offer encouragement and resources to help parents feel supported and confident.

Practical Tips for Managing a Cold While Breastfeeding

  • Continue Breastfeeding: Breast milk provides antibodies that help protect your baby from your illness.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can reduce milk supply, so drink plenty of fluids.
  • Use Safe Remedies: Opt for treatments that won’t impact your milk supply or baby’s health.
  • Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, or an IBCLC.

Cold symptoms can be managed safely while breastfeeding, allowing parents to prioritize both their recovery and their baby’s well-being. With the guidance of IBCLCs, lactating parents can confidently choose remedies that support their health and maintain their milk supply.