We sympathize with you if you’re breastfeeding and have a cold! To help you catch some shut-eye, we realize that you’re looking for ways to alleviate your cold symptoms. However, you want to keep your child safe at the same time.
Nyquil medicines can be purchased over the counter (OTC) for brief relief of nocturnal cold and flu symptoms. Cough, sore throat, headaches, minor pains, and fever are symptoms of a cold or flu. Other common symptoms include sneezing, nasal and sinus congestion, and a runny nose. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s probably fine to take some forms of Nyquil, while others require caution.
Can I Take Nyquil While Breastfeeding?
Nyquil includes doxylamine, which might impact your milk supply and make you and your baby tired, so it’s best not to take it while nursing. In addition to containing alcohol, liquid forms of Nyquil are not suggested when nursing. Nonetheless, despite the dangers, thousands of breastfeeding mothers have taken Nyquil at the prescribed dosages and reported no recorded harmful effects in their infants.
Check the product label for a list of the major ingredients in your Nyquil, as there are a variety of formulations. Acetaminophen, doxylamine, and sometimes phenylephrine are some of the most common constituents in Nyquil products.
Safe breastfeeding Alternatives
While you may need to have Nyquil in your cupboard while nursing, there are a few safe options to consider:
- Honey: Honey has been shown in studies to be an efficient cough suppressant and antihistamine. Honey’s antioxidant and antibacterial qualities also aid in healing. Just don’t feed your baby honey if they are under the age of one. Despite its advantages, if given to newborns, it may induce botulism, a rare sickness.
- Tea or hot water: Hot water may be the most basic but effective treatment for congestion. While you’re not feeling well, you’ll want to remain hydrated and help keep your milk production going, so try a breastfeeding tea, according to experts. You may also add some honey to your heated water or tea for added advantages.
- Lemon: Lemon might help you battle congestion and ease a sore throat. It may also assist you in regaining your voice if you have lost it to severe allergies.
- Lavender: This is excellent for relieving nasal discomfort. To relieve discomfort, breathe some lavender oil or drink some tea.
- Peppermint: It relieves headaches and stomach pain caused by the flu and head colds.
- Bergamot: This fragrant botanical component lends a characteristic taste. Bergamot, as an essential oil or tea, is excellent for relieving congestion, sinus discomfort, and other cold and flu symptoms.
Wrap Up
In the end, Nyquil may not be the greatest allergy medication to use while breastfeeding your infant. However, the pain and suffering caused by sinus and allergy difficulties may be excruciating at times, which is understandable. In this case, you should avoid Nyquil Cold & Flu products and stick to conventional home remedies. Never use liquid Nyquil; instead, choose the tablet or gel cap form to avoid being exposed to the alcohol component in the liquid.
See your doctor or your baby’s physician if you’re worried about taking Nyquil while breastfeeding.