It is the season for coughs and colds. As a mom you always worry; if you get sick who will care for the kids?!? This seems especially concerning when you have a new baby in the household.

As always, we recommend prevention first. Wash hands often, rest, eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated. And of course, get your flu shot each year.

When you do get run down and start to cough or have a runny or stuffy nose here’s some advice that may help.
• The common cold will usually run its course within 7 to 14 days
• Try to get enough rest
• Drink lots of water and take hot baths or showers
• Run a humidifier but be sure to clean the humidifier daily
• Treat only the symptoms you have: avoid a combination medicine when a single one will do the job
• Short-acting forms of drugs (6 hours or less) are generally better than the long-acting varieties (but see the info below on the non-sedating antihistamines)
• Use nasal spray instead of oral medications when possible

Pain meds
• Both Advil/Motrin (Ibuprofen) and Tylenol (Acetaminophen) are considered compatible with breastfeeding
• Aleve (Naproxen) is also AAP-approved for nursing mothers
• Aspirin use is discouraged in children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
Cough & sore throat lozenges – Sore throat sprays or lozenges are generally considered safe, as are cough drops.

Eye drops – Eye drops designed for cold/allergy symptom relief are considered compatible with breastfeeding.

Nasal Sprays, decongestants, antihistamines and other over the counter medications may help. Please call our office for recommendations for your family.