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Cold medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding

We are getting  into the winter here in Charleston, SC so the cold season is right around the corner. Breastfeeding mother’s have to be careful what medications they take while breastfeeding for 2 reasons the first to ensure safe drugs for their babies to receive via their breast milk and secondly to stay away from medications that dry up mucus. Medications that dry up mucus can also dry up breast milk. Here is a list of medications in alphabetical order that are safe for your baby and have the least likely effects on a milk supply.

Alka Seltzer plus mucus                                                                          Robitussin cough and congestion liquid

Cepacol throat spray                                                                                 Robitussin cough

Comtrex deep chest cold and congestion relief                           Robitussin DM cough suppressant lozenges

Coricidin cold and flu tablets                                                               Sucrets cough suppressant lozenges

Dayquil mucus control                                                                           Theraflu flu and chest liquid

Delsym 12 hour cough relief liquid                                                     Triaminic cough and sore throat liquid

Dimetap long acting cold and elixir                                                   Triaminic long acting cough

Mucinex                                                                                                          Vicks 44 Formula

Mucinex DM expectorant/cough                                                        Vicks Dayquil cough liquid

The ingredients to use sparingly or to avoid all together are diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine

References for the above information was obtained from Medication and Mother’s Milk 2014, written by Dr. Thomas Hale and Hilary Rowe, Pharm D, Hale Publishing L.P.

 

 

 

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Herbal Galactogogue to help increase your milk supply- Shatavari

Shatavari (asparagus racemosus) is an herb that acts as a galactogogue to increase milk production for breastfeeding mothers. It aids women trying to get pregnant, it can prevent threatened abortion and it supports the menopausal women. It is native to the Himilayas and has evolved over 5000 years. It is known as “the one who possess 100 husbands”. It is widely used in India and China but less well known and popular here in the United States.

The main constituents in this asparagus root herb are steroidal saponins which act as estrogen regulators. It is rich in calcium, iron and folic acid. It coats, soothes and nourishes the mucus lining of the reproductive organs to help with conception. It is a rich source of physoestrogens helping to balance the female reproductive system and to aid with hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

As a galactogogue to increase breast milk yield it stimulates the release of prolactin and increases the weight of mammary tissue. It does not work as fast as the more popular herb fenugreek but it also does not have the GI side effects of fenugreek. Results from Shatavari can be seen in the first few weeks. The action of Shatavari has been paralleled with Reglan but without the extra pyramidal and depressive side effects seen with this drug. Shatavari is used to treat ulcerative disorders of the stomach. It is also reported to help support immunologic function in the body. It is not to be consumed by anyone allergic to asparagus. Side effects are minimal with one being a possibility of gaining weight. Dosing is 1000-2000 mg daily in divided doses. Motherlove most recently started to carry Shatavari in capsule form. 4-6 capsules per day depending on your body weight.

www.lowmilksupply.org
www.motherlove.com

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