Breastfeeding with a cold

introduction

A mother's cold while breastfeeding, especially during the winter months, is not uncommon. Despite the cold, the baby can continue to be breastfed and there is no risk of transmitting the pathogens to the baby. The mother's symptoms should be treated with as few medications as possible, since components of the medication can be transferred to the baby with breast milk.

While breastfeeding, a cold can last a few days longer than usual, as the breastfeeding puts additional strain on the body.

Can I breastfeed my baby with a cold?

The answer to the question of whether you can continue breastfeeding with a cold can be answered with yes. The pathogens cannot be transmitted through breast milk. The baby even gets antibodies transmitted through breast milk, which protect it from various infections. Antibodies are proteins that are specifically directed against pathogens and bind to them. In this way, the pathogens become recognizable for the immune system and can be fought accordingly. Thus, the baby receives a certain protection from the common cold through breast milk.

If a fever develops in addition to the cold, a doctor should rule out a bacterial infection, as this would have to be treated with an antibiotic. With some antibiotics, breastfeeding can continue, but this must be discussed with a doctor beforehand.

Also read the article: Can I breastfeed if I have a fever?

I have to pay attention to this so that I don't infect my baby

A few hygiene measures should be observed from the mother in order to minimize the risk of infection. First of all, the baby should be kept at a sufficient distance from the mother's nose and mouth area. Colds are transmitted via droplet infection. This means that when you cough, sneeze or even breathe normally, the pathogens are swirled in the air by tiny droplets and can thus be absorbed by others. Therefore, a certain distance between mother and child makes sense to minimize the risk of transmission.

The second route of transmission of a cold is via a smear infection. The pathogens are transmitted through direct skin contact, for example from hand to hand. Therefore, thorough hand disinfection before breastfeeding and generally before contact with the baby is useful. In addition to hand disinfection, regular hand washing, especially after contact with the oral and nasal mucosa, helps to minimize the pathogens on the skin.

How dangerous is a cold while breastfeeding? Read more about this here.

Does a face mask make sense?

A face mask can stop the transmission of pathogens via the droplet infection and theoretically makes sense. However, pathogens are excreted before the symptoms of the cold appear, so that the baby has already come into contact with them. If a face mask is only put on when the symptoms start, it is already too late. At this point in time, general hygiene measures and regular hand disinfection are more important.
But of course a mouthguard can certainly not hurt either, but it should be changed at regular intervals.

Hand disinfection

Hand disinfection is an important measure to prevent smear infection from mother to baby. When choosing the disinfectant, it is important to ensure that it is also effective against viruses, as they are the most common triggers of the common cold.

The technique of thorough hand disinfection should be researched in advance and it is important to ensure that the disinfectant has a sufficiently long exposure time. This is indicated on the package. It can only be assumed that all germs on the hands have been killed if the correct technique is used and the exposure time is sufficient.

When disinfecting hands, it is important to ensure that it is carried out correctly. You can find out more about this at: 6-step disinfection - Proper hand washing and disinfection

These drugs are allowed while breastfeeding

A cold is usually a harmless viral infection that can be cured within days without medication. Only the most essential medication should be taken, especially during the breastfeeding period.

A special eye and nasal ointment containing the active ingredient dexpanthenol can be applied locally to the nasal mucous membrane. The ointment helps to regenerate and care for the damaged mucous membrane. If the nose and the adjacent paranasal sinuses are blocked, a nasal spray with saline solution can be used. It acts as a rinse and at the same time moisturizes the mucous membranes of the nose. Side effects are not known.

If a fever develops, paracetamol can be taken as an antipyretic. The intake should only take place at body temperatures of 39 degrees Celsius or more. Paracetamol has been shown to pass into breast milk. So far, however, no negative effects on the baby have been found, so paracetamol is allowed during breastfeeding. Long-term use of paracetamol should first be discussed with a doctor. Every time a fever develops, a doctor should also be consulted, as alternative causes for the fever should be ruled out.

Find out all about the topic here: Medication during breastfeeding.

These drugs are prohibited

Decongestant nasal sprays should not be used for symptoms of the nose and paranasal sinuses, as there is still no reliable data on the extent to which the active ingredient can be transferred to the child via breast milk. Instead, a nasal spray with simple saline solution is seen as a better solution.

Medicines for sore throats should not be taken if possible, as the effects on the baby during breastfeeding have not been adequately studied for many. Pain relievers and fever lowering drugs such as Novalgin, Naproxen, Indomethacin or Diclofenac must not be used during breastfeeding. Ibuprofen should also not be the drug of choice and only after consulting a doctor. Paracetamol alone is considered a safe antipyretic and pain reliever.

The cough-dissolving active ingredient ambroxol, which is contained in many drugs for productive coughs (e.g. Spasmo-Mucosolvan juice), must not be used during breastfeeding. It is the same with the active ingredient N-acetylcysteine, which is contained in ACC® or Fluimucil® to liquefy the mucus in the airways. Finally, all so-called secretolytics are not approved for breastfeeding. These include extracts from ivy, as contained in Prospan® or Bronchipret® cough syrup, as well as thyme and primrose root extracts, which are offered under the trade name Bronchicum®.

Also read the article: Ibuprofen while breastfeeding.

These home remedies can help

Inhaling can help with dry mucous membranes. Chamomile or thyme can be added to the water. The inhalation of the vapors shows a certain decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect. You can inhale several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes. It should be ensured that the water temperature is not higher than 60 degrees Celsius in order to avoid damage to the mucous membrane. Sage should not be added, as sage has an inhibitory effect on milk production.
Various herbal teas can also be used. These can either be drunk or gargled for a sore throat. Again, drinking sage tea is not recommended. It can be gargled if you spit it out afterwards.

Since no medication should be taken for a sore throat, sugar-free lozenges are primarily recommended. Other home remedies include drinking hot chicken broth or using warm foot baths. In addition to the numerous home remedies that are recommended for a cold, adequate fluid intake is essential. You can use tea or water. Since breastfeeding alone is a strain for the body, particular attention should be paid to getting enough rest and sleep if you have a cold.

What home remedies help with a cold? Find out more here.

Do I get less milk from the cold?

In the medical literature, no association can be found between a cold and decreased milk production. Due to the increased physical strain that a cold brings with it, exhaustion may lead to reduced milk production. Therefore, getting adequate rest and hydration is very important.

Find out all about the topic here: Aids for breastfeeding and breastfeeding despite a sore throat