Can You Take Theraflu While Breastfeeding?

If you’re wondering if Theraflu is safe to take while breastfeeding, this article will give you some answers.

As a breastfeeding mom, you’re not just responsible for yourself. You’re also responsible for your baby. Everything that goes inside your body, goes inside your baby too. Therefore, it’s normal to wonder if something is safe to consume while breastfeeding. Having a common cold or the flu while nursing is not unusual.

This is even more common if you’re a nursing mom who doesn’t take good care of health, proper nutrition, and hydration. Breastfeeding is exhausting for your body, and you need to take better care of yourself.

Of course, getting a cold or flu can happen even if you’re taking enough vitamins, drinking a lot of water, and eating healthy food. Sometimes your immune system is not strong enough to avoid being sick.

When you do get sick, you’re looking for a solution to feel better. Maybe you’re ignoring it at the beginning, but eventually, you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible.

Your baby needs you, and you need your full strength to do everything you need to do. So, searching for safe medications and natural remedies is completely normal in this situation, and one of the most famous medications for this condition is Theraflu.

Taking Theraflu while breastfeeding is tempting since it has a great effect, but as a good mom, you want to check if it’s okay to use it.

After all, you’re nursing your baby and don’t want anything bad to happen.

What Is Theraflu?

Theraflu is a medication that is used for treating cold or flu symptoms. It’s a combination of a few medications, making it convenient to treat different symptoms, not just one.

It treats symptoms like headache, body ache, fever, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, or chest congestion. All these symptoms are common for a cold or flu.

There are a few kinds of Theraflu medication, and you can purchase one depending on your symptoms. Some of them are great for all of your symptoms, and some of the Theraflu products focus only on particular symptoms.

It is essential to mention that Theraflu and similar products are just for alleviating the symptoms. This medication can’t fight against viruses or bacteria. It also can’t affect the duration of your illness. However, it can make you feel a lot better during your cold or flu.

The main active ingredients in Theraflu are acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve the pain and lower the fever. Dextromethorphan is excellent for calming a cough since it relaxes muscles in your throat. It is the main ingredient of many cough syrups. Phenylephrine is used for treating congested noses and sinuses. Some types of Theraflu are called multi-symptom cold medication because they contain some additional active ingredients.

The main reason why Theraflu is so popular is that it’s easy to take. It’s proven that taking some of these medications separately is more effective, but taking so many medications can be a hassle.

Another advantage of Theraflu is the fact that you can take it as a hot drink. Drinking a hot beverage can make you feel better when you’re sick.

Side Effects Of Theraflu

Every medication has possible side effects. However, the benefits are almost always worth the possible risk. When it comes to Theraflu side effects, here’s the list: dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, stomach problems, nausea, nervousness, and constipation.

Another common Theraflu side effect is sleepiness. But, since you’re sick, it’s good to have something that makes it easier to fall asleep.

There aren’t many Theraflu side effects which makes it a great cold medication, and that’s why it’s common to think that it’s okay to take Theraflu when breastfeeding. However, this is something that has to be explained a little bit.

Can You Take Theraflu While Breastfeeding?

The short answer to the above question is that taking Theraflu while breastfeeding is not recommended. If you read the instructions for this medication, you will see that it’s recommended to speak with your doctor about taking Theraflu when breastfeeding or pregnant.

There are no studies that could prove the effects of this medication on breastfeeding mothers, but there is some evidence that Theraflu can have a negative effect.

Phenylephrine is a form of pseudoephedrine that is great for decongesting your nose or sinuses. However, this medication, one of Theraflu’s main ingredients, can decrease milk supply.

When you stop using this medication, everything goes back to normal. But, as long as you’re taking it, your breast milk supply could be decreased significantly, which is not good for your baby.

As a breastfeeding mom, you probably want to avoid everything that could affect your breast milk production. That’s why it’s important to do your analysis about Theraflu and breastfeeding. Side effects of Theraflu while breastfeeding might surprise you.

Other ingredients like acetaminophen, are safe for breastfeeding. Many doctors will prescribe this medication to nursing moms or pregnant women.

Dextromethorphan can make you sleepy, but it doesn’t affect your breast milk supply so much. Of course, it could make your baby a bit sleepy and drowsy, but nothing too much.

Doctor Says It’s Okay To Take Theraflu While Breastfeeding

As I’ve mentioned before, you should talk to your doctor about taking cold medication. Sometimes, your symptoms are bad, you have a severe cold, and you can’t function properly.

When that’s the case, your doctor will advise you to use Theraflu. However, you should take care of the timing when taking Theraflu and breastfeeding at the same time.

Since it can affect your breastfeeding, try to take it right after your breastfeeding session. Also, try to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before nursing again and avoid taking high doses. If your baby is not breastfeeding so often at night, take Theraflu at that time.

At the end of the day, it’s your decision. Theraflu is not a medication that you must take when you’re sick. It helps, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re already struggling with breastfeeding and milk production, finding another solution is better.

On the other hand, if you feel awful and you can’t take care of yourself or your baby, it’s not the end of the world if you take Theraflu. Maybe this is the only medication that can help you with your illness.

It’s hard to tell which medication is 100% safe since it wouldn’t be okay to conduct that kind of research on pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding Your Baby While Having A Cold Or Flu

Breastfeeding your baby while having a cold or flu is perfectly safe. It’s not possible to transfer the virus through your breast milk. As a matter of fact, breastfeeding your baby during this time can be good for him or her.

Since you’re sick, your body produces antibodies to fight the illness. Those antibodies will go to your baby through breast milk, which will boost your baby’s immune system.

So, breastfeeding while being sick like this is fine. However, there are some other things that you should take care of. First of all, wash and sanitize your hand before touching your baby.

Avoid coughing or sneezing around him or her. It would also be good to open the windows more frequently to let the fresh air inside.

Finally, try to limit your contact with the baby. Ask your partner or a family to help you during these few days. When you’re done with the breastfeeding session, keep your distance.

Some women reported that they’ve intentionally avoided breastfeeding to protect their babies.

Some babies have a weak immune system, and you can’t risk anything.

If you’re coughing and sneezing all the time, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to pump yourself and allow someone else to do the bottle feeding. Of course, this is possible if the baby is used to this type of feeding.

Remedies For A Cold Or Flu

If you’ve decided to avoid Theraflu while breastfeeding, you can always look up some other over-the-counter cold medicine. Breastfeeding moms get sick too, and many medications and supplements can help you to feel better.

However, if you don’t want to use medications like Theraflu while breastfeeding, you can always try a natural remedy or some common medication to help yourself.

Ibuprofen And Acetaminophen

These medications are considered safe to use when breastfeeding or pregnant. Even if you don’t have a cold, you can use these to relieve muscle aches, headaches, or a fever.

Avoid using Aspirin or Naproxen since they can cause more negative effects for you and your baby.

Oxymetazoline And Fluticazone

When it comes to getting rid of your stuffed or runny nose, nasal sprays are fantastic. Decongestants like Oxymetazoline and Fluticazone are safe to use when breastfeeding.

Of course, there are many others medications that are safe for breastfeeding moms, but you have to do your research and consult your doctor for medical advice.

Vaporizers

Using a good vaporizer is great for decongesting your nose and avoiding itching and irritation in your nasal canal. You can also boil the pot of water, put a towel on your head, and steam yourself. Just make sure to avoid burning your face.

Using plain water is fine, but adding some chamomile or rosemary can be very helpful. Avoid adding something strong or minty, because it can cause irritation.

Drinking A LOT Of Water

I think that almost every article of mine contains a part about water. Water is fantastic for you. It’s essential for safe breastfeeding and will help you get well soon.

Hydrate yourself all the time because your symptoms will go away faster when you’re drinking a lot of water.

Taking Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a well-known vitamin when we talk about the cold or flu. There are many fruits and veggies that contain vitamin C, but I suggest taking a good supplement when you’re sick.

It’s hard to reach your daily vitamin C needs without a certain supplement. Since you’re sick, you need to take a little more of this amazing vitamin, because it will help you to get better sooner.

Zinc

A zinc supplement will be a great assist on your path to recovery. Zinc gluconate can stop the virus from multiplying, reducing the duration of your illness.

Netty Pot

A Netty pot is excellent for flushing your sinuses or your nose with saline water. It helps you to feel less congested and it makes it easier to breathe. If you don’t have one, you can also improvise with a syringe or a squeeze bottle. Don’t use anything but the saline solution.

Get Enough Rest

Breastfeeding moms are like superheroes. It’s hard to find time for regular sleep. However, if you don’t take some time to rest while being sick, you will regret it.

Your illness will last longer, and you will feel worse if you don’t change some things for a while.

Everything can wait.

You will clean the house in a few days if you don’t someone to help out.

Take care of yourself and your baby for now, and you will be fine in no time.

Eat Well

Breastfeeding women should take care of their diet. Everything you eat will also go into your baby’s body through nursing. A good, healthy diet is essential.

When you’re sick, taking care of your diet is even more significant. Avoid unhealthy foods that are filled with unhealthy fats and sugars.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Drink some natural juices and smoothies. Also, eat a lot of protein, because you will feel more energized and strong.

It’s hard to eat when you’re sick, but have to push yourself. Without good food, you will lose all of your energy. Of course, it’s okay to eat something unhealthy if you want it badly. Just don’t eat it all the time.

Mild Physical Activity

You should avoid getting tired, but a light walk in the fresh air will do you well. Getting sick is not fun, and you have to find the perfect balance between activity and rest. Stretching and practicing deep breathing will help you to decongest your sinuses.

Natural Remedies

Using some natural remedies can help you a lot without affecting your breastfeeding. Drinking warm water with lemon is great for your throat and energy.

A warm ginger tea with a little bit of honey will help with the cough. Rinsing your mouth and throat with warm, salty water is also relieving. I also recommend gargling some sage tea to calm your sore throat.

Showering with lukewarm water is excellent if you have a higher fever. Another great way to decongest your nose is to cut some onions and leave them by your nightstand overnight.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask For Help

New moms like to pretend that they can do it all by themselves. To be honest, they can. But, they don’t have to. This is especially important when you’re a new mom who is sick.

You can use medications like Theraflu while breastfeeding or some natural remedies. You can eat well and drink a lot of fluids. Sometimes, it’s not enough. Sometimes, you must be patient and avoid house chores and cooking.

Ask your partner to take a few days off. Ask a friend or a family member to come over. Remember, this is not just about you. This is about your baby that needs a strong, healthy mom. Therefore, a little bit of help will do wonders for you and your child.

Of course, if this is not an option, I understand. Sometimes, you don’t have anyone who can jump in to help you. If that’s the case, please follow my suggestions, and go to your doctor’s office. You need to do everything in your power to get well soon.

If you can’t ask someone for help, at least don’t push yourself too hard. Some things around the house can wait for a few days. You will take care of that when you get better. Right now, focus on yourself and your health.

You shouldn’t be stressed about being sick. There is nothing you can do right now except try to get better as soon as possible. Your mindset and attitude are more important than you think.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching the internet to find out more about taking Theraflu when breastfeeding, this article will help you a lot. As a new mom, everything that was normal and easy to handle is now hard and confusing.

You have a little human being that depends on you and your decisions. As a good mom, you have to find and know all the best answers and you have to educate yourself.

Getting sick is the last thing you need in this period of your life. But, bad things happen. Try to stay calm and take care of yourself. There is always something worse, and being grateful will also help you to feel better.

It’s never a good time to get a cold or flu but sometimes be avoided. Use your illness as a reminder to take better care of your immunity. This should be your lesson to always eat well and drink a lot of fluids.

You’re a mom now, and you have to be strong to deal with your baby’s problems that come along. So, protect yourself and do everything you can to prevent this from happening again.