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Taking Cold Medicine during Breastfeeding - Is It Safe?
If you have a cold, it may interfere with just about everything that you do. So it’s no wonder that at the first sign of it, you would hit the pharmacy or take some cold medicine. However, this may not be recommended while you have a little one depending on your for its nutrition. If you are a breastfeeding mom, you will need to take precautions before you take any cold medicines. While this does not mean that you cannot take any at all, it is better to know what is safe and what isn’t.
Can a Breastfeeding Mom take Medicines for a Cold?
Can breastfeeding mothers take cold and flu tablets to get relief from the symptoms? Yes. However, you should be wary about the ingredients in these medicines as they can be passed on to your baby through breast milk. Hence, it is always recommended that you check the ingredients or get prescription medicines from a doctor after having explained your condition.
Safe Cold Medicines for Breastfeeding Mothers
Here is a list of safe and best cold medicines for a breastfeeding mother.
1. Paracetamol or Acetaminophen
Medicines with the active compound acetaminophen like Tylenol, Crocin, etc., can be taken for a cold while breastfeeding. An analgesic, acetaminophen can relieve you from fever, inflammation, and pain. Although acetaminophen will pass on to the baby through your breast milk, it will not cause any harm.
2. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is considered safe for the baby and only passes on to the baby in micro-quantities, which does not harm. Ibuprofens like Advil are non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs which can lower fever, pain and inflammation. It can also be used for flu, headache, or cold caused by sinus infections. It is best to get a prescription for this as it is not recommended for women with asthma and stomach ulcers.
3. Dextromethorphan
This is safe for breastfeeding moms and is generally taken to suppress cold and cough. However, women with conditions like asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, and liver disease should not take the medicine as it could make their condition worse.
4. Bromhexine and Guaifenesin
These are prescription medicines and can cure a chesty cough by loosening the mucus in the chest through the cough-reflex. These are safe for both the mother and the child.
5. Amoxicillin
This is an antibiotic used to treat cold and sinus infections. Although, there have been some isolated cases of side-effects in babies, these resolve on their own and hence the medicine considered safe for lactating moms.
6. Zinc Gluconate
This cold-relieving medicine is an over-the-counter drug, but it is recommended that you consult a doctor before taking it. It can be used a gel, which is administered through the nose. The localized, topical application when limited to 12 mg a day makes it safe for mothers and babies.
7. Chlorpheniramine and Hydroxyzine
These are antihistamine drugs and are used to treat allergy-induced stuffy, blocked or a runny nose. You may even be prescribed this during hay fever. These are considered safe for lactating moms and babies as only a small amount is passed on through breast milk. While isolated incidences of colic, drowsiness, irritability were noticed in babies, these were resolved without any medical intervention.
Unsafe Cold Medicines during Breastfeeding
Following are the cold medicines that you should avoid when breastfeeding.
1. Aspirin
Aspirin can lead to acidosis in babies which lowers the ability of the kidneys to maintain the pH levels in the blood and makes it more acidic. It can even cause Reye’s syndrome in babies which can make their blood thin and cause the liver and the brain to swell.
2. Codeine and Dihydrocodeine
These are analgesics, which convert to morphine in the liver after consumption. They affect the central nervous system and also cause diarrhoea, drowsiness, and weakness in the baby as it breaks down slowly in the still-developing liver of the infants.
3. Pseudoephedrine
Used as a decongestant to clear accumulation of mucus in the sinus and the nasal passage, this drug can lower the production prolactin in the mother. This can reduce the supply of breast milk by around 24 percent and cause the baby to be underfed.
4. Phenylephrine
Also a decongestant, this drug is known to have similar effects as that of pseudoephedrine. It is also believed to cause drowsiness in babies.
5. Xylometazoline and Oxymetazoline
These are commonly used in nasal sprays. Since there isn’t enough evidence to confirm their effect on breastfeeding moms and babies, it is advised that you avoid them.
Cold Medications Precautions to be Taken
While taking any form of medications for a cold, these are the precautions that you will need to keep in mind.
Avoid medicines with a high alcohol content.
Take single-ingredient medicines to limit your baby’s exposure to OTC drugs.
Take medications after you breastfeed and avoid breastfeeding for two or three hours after taking the medicine to avoid exposure to the baby.
Avoid taking extra-strength medications or dosages as they will stay in your system and milk supply for longer.
If you take lozenges, ensure that you read the ingredients. Avoid anything with povidone-iodine as it increases the level of iodine in breast milk which can increase the risk of transient hypothyroidism in babies.
Side-Effects of Cold Medicines on Breastfeeding Mom and Baby
Some safe cold medicines can cause minor side-effects like drowsiness, irritability, and jitters in babies. These are often known to resolve themselves. Certain others that are deemed unsafe can cause a range of side effects like lowering the supply of breast milk in the mother, making the blood acidic, causing organs like the brain and liver to swell, etc. These medicines should be avoided at all costs during breastfeeding.
When to Consult a Doctor?
Most of the times, a cold can be mild and subside within a few days. However, if it persists and you notice symptoms like wheezing, facial pain, ear ache, a severe cough, etc., you will need to consult a doctor. These symptoms could indicate more than a cold, for example, ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, flu, sinusitis, and bronchitis.
Although taking OTC drugs for a common cold is the norm, it is advised that you consult a doctor before taking any medications while you are pregnant or breastfeeding to avoid any complications for the baby and you. Read more
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Strawberries for Babies - Health Benefits and Risks
Strawberries are one of the tastiest fruits that kids simply relish eating. But, whether you should give strawberries to your child or not can be a question. You must be thinking is it safe and healthy to give strawberries to them? There is no doubt that your kids will love the sweet and flavoured taste of a strawberry, but you may be confused about its health benefits.
Can Strawberries Be Given to Babies?
Even though strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world, you should be careful before feeding them to babies, as strawberries may cause an allergic reaction to some babies. Hence, it is suggested to avoid giving strawberries to your baby until he is 1-year-old. History of allergies in the family also should be taken into consideration.
When Can Babies Eat Strawberries?
The age at which babies can eat strawberries should be decided considering the risks of allergies. To avoid such problems from an early age, strawberries are only given to them from the age of one year only. Various health organizations agree to let the babies take these berries only after completing one year of age due to the risks they possess.
Nutritional Value of Strawberry
Nutrients
Nutritive value per 100 g
Water
90.95 g
Protein
0.67 g
Carbohydrates
7.68 g
Fibre
2 g
Sugar
4.89 g
Vitamin A
0.036 mg
Vitamin B6
0.047 mg
Vitamin C
58.8 mg
Vitamin K
2.2 ug
Vitamin E
0.29 mg
Calcium
28 mg
Phosphorus
27 mg
Potassium
220 mg
Magnesium
13 mg
Folate
24 ug
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry
The table shows that the tasty berries are not only good for your taste buds but are also a great source of nutrition. They are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients which makes them tastier and delicious. Apart from the allergies, they are the best choice for your infants as a delicious treat.
Amazing Health Benefits of Strawberry for Babies
As a good parent, we always want the best for our baby; especially, when they are very young. Strawberries are one of the best choices for your kids with many benefits to offer.
Rich Source of Vitamin C: Vitamin C has to be obtained from external sources as our body cannot process it on its own. Strawberries are a good source of Vitamin C which helps in building immunity and in fighting eye diseases.
Good Source of Calcium and Phosphorus: Calcium is vital for bone development in a child. It also helps in the functioning of the heart, muscles, and the nerves. Phosphorous can improve digestion, help repair cells, break down protein, and is responsible for regulating the chemical reactions that transpire in your body.
Protects Liver: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants which can lower oxidative stress and prevent damage to your liver.
Good Source of Folate: Folic acid or folate is imperative for the brain development of the child. It also aids in the production of red blood cells in the body.
Are There Any Risks of Giving Strawberries to Your Baby?
Well in simple and plain words - Yes - there are some risks that need to be considered while feeding strawberries to a baby which are as follows:
Choking: Strawberries are very tasty and have a soft and slippery skin. So often kids gulp it down without chewing. This may cause choking. Hence you have to warn them to chew a strawberry or slice it before eating.
Allergic Reactions: Your child may be allergic to strawberries and you might have to consider the possibility of this before feeding strawberries. Some families have a history of allergies to food or asthma. In such cases, it is better to consult a doctor before giving it to a child. Signs of strawberry allergy in babies can be, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Rashes on the skin just because of the contact with strawberry are also to be treated with care.
Ways of Giving Strawberries to Babies
After finding out when to eat the strawberries, you might want to know how to feed them. You can follow the steps mentioned below:
Look for the signs that your baby is ready: Specific signs are to be confirmed before giving strawberries to your child. Head control, ability to sit with support, chewing motions, weight gain, curiosity in what mom is eating, these are some signs which will help you understand whether kids are ready or not.
Cut into small pieces: To avoid the chances of choking, it is better to cut it into smaller pieces before feeding it to your baby.
Puree Strawberries: Introducing a whole fruit to your baby is not a good idea. Hence, you need to puree strawberries and add them to oat milk or pudding as they like. This might be the perfect strawberry recipe for babies.
Waiting for three days: This helps to get an idea if a fruit or food is causing an allergy or not. You have to take a break of three days before introducing new food items.
How Many Strawberries Can You Give to Babies Each Time?
Considering the age, they should not be given more than a quarter or a half of a strawberry in the beginning. Always keep in mind to mix up the diet with all nutritious food. Fruits alone cannot help a child gain all the nutrition needed.
What If Strawberry Seeds are Found in Your Baby's Diaper?
If you find strawberry seeds in the diaper of your baby, it is just an indication of a problem with the digestion. There is no need to worry about the same and is not a cause for alarm.
Strawberries are no doubt tasty and beneficial, but you have to keep in mind all the facts before introducing them into your baby’s diet.
Also Read: Is Banana Good for Babies? Read more
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'Mom' Means 'Magical Love' (God's Choicest Blessing on Us Is 'Mom')
Nowadays our calendars are dotted with busy schedules, and the watches on our hands are running very fast. However, just stop for a moment to remember every moment we've had with our moms from our childhood.
Warm, fuzzy memories are great.They usually bring a smile to our face, a little pep to our step and swing in our hearts! It is amazing to think about our friends, but it is more than amazing when we think about our mom, our best friend who's with us since we started our life in the womb. She is our mentor and best friend.
I just wondered by - the way she loves us, how she gives importance to every bit of our life, how she cares about every step we are going to take, and how she supports us even during our hard times.
For sure she knows everything that makes us happy, and our mom knows the value of every tear we shed. I was just wondering about the way she holds our hand to protect us during every move of our life.
If you ever seek for a love with no conditions, it's only a mother who can give it.
With my whole heart I am saying that no one could replace you, mom. We do not have enough to repay you. All that we have and want to give you is our eternal love. I'm writing this after becoming a mom. After becoming a mom I realised how much my mother loved me. How much pain she has gone through to bring me into this world, and how many sacrifices she has made to give me happiness.
REALLY, THE GREATEST BLESSING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US IS MOM.
Love her. Respect her. I'm wholeheartedly saying 'thank you' to every mom for giving her children the right path to live in this world.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
8 hours ago
Q. 22 week pregnant,baby konse month me or din me kitni baar move kartaa he ,pls bataye abhi sirf 2, 3 baar hi hota he
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. hi
yes it's enough
and the frequency and timing may vary as we all are different
but yes, the frequency of feeling baby movements will increase now
please go for regular check-up to your gynecologist
and follow his or her suggestions
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
8 hours ago
Q. hi
need help and advice
my RT 18x16mm and LT 10x16mm ET 6.59
and did ovulation rest also showing fertility test C as if now , pls advice if we intercourse tomorrow then when will be my ovulation start.
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. You can check with an ovulation kit if it is positive then you can certainly go ahead with the conception because ovulation kit is going to give you 100% clarity whether you are ovulating or not with that you can try practising if you can conceive the same time
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. I am having hb level 8.6, how to improve my hb level
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
22 mins ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Please eat iron and calcium rich food items like spinach and pomegranate. You can also take iron rich supplements but only after consulting with your doctor. Please drink Shaadmani Blue fusion green tea which is good in this condition. Also take eggs and chicken and drink chicken soup. Please take lots of green vegetables and dairy products and soaked almonds.
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. Bread feeding mother can have green tea
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. absolutely no problem to have green tea ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
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2 hours ago
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Rashmi
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2 hours ago
A. A lot of times normal delivery is actually seen in these cases also if the doctor is quick and the child cooperate then yes normal delivery is very much possible but some doctors don’t take a chance with the health of your child and so they normally suggest C-section so let’s see what’s your situation by the end when you are into your labour
Sunita Mahato has added a new answer
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Sunita Mahato
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A. to increase milk take latction supplement as lactare...
take green papaya bottle gourd bitter gourd fennel seeds garlic oats ragi dalia sabudana ...
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