Home ›› Breast Pumping FAQ's
One of the most miserable things to experience either during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is cold and congestion, which just about everyone will inevitably experience. You always worry about taking medication during this time because of the effects that it may have on the your breast milk and baby.
During pregnancy is it pretty commonplace to hear that you cannot take anything during this time, except Tylenol, however, when you are breastfeeding, doctors are more likely to state that you can take over the counter medication to help with congestion.
Yet, what are the real implications of taking decongestants during the time that you are breastfeeding? American Academy of Pediatrics has approved many decongestants, such as Sudafed, to be safe for a breastfed baby. Though it may be safe for the baby, what are the implications for your breast milk supply?
As hard as mothers try to keep their breast milk supply high, such medications can impede in this attempt. After taking this type of medication for even a few days, moms may find that they are pumping fewer and fewer ounces with each pumping session, never realizing that the medication that is making them feel better is actually reducing their breast milk supply.
So, if you are feeling sick and begin taking a decongestant or medication, continue to monitor your breast milk supply. IF you find that you are getting less milk at each pumping session, then you may want to reconsider a remedy for your cold.
