breastfeeding and sinus meds

[justice'smom]

Feel free to move this if it's in the wrong area. What can I take for sinus congestion while nursing my 11 mo? Thanks for all replies.

[PatioGardener]

While pseudoephedrine is safe for breastfeeding mothers, it can really do a job on supply. I'd avoid it (alone or an an ingredient in any type of cold medication).

Have you tried a saline rinse or a netti pot?

[Pepper44]

I always use the neti pot and take Hyland's sinus tablets. The sinus tablets work similar to sudafed for me but without any side effects!

[justice'smom]

How do you do a saline rinse?

[HappyMommy2]

A saline rinse can be done with a spoon of warm salty water. You kind of snort it up your nose, and then blow your nose. Sounds gross, but totally effective!!!

I have a HUGE supply, and tried sudafed once thinking it wouldn't affect me. It dried me up, and I haven't done it since!

[crystaldawn]

I like the netti pot as well... I hate to take meds perood. But at night I literally could not breathe a few weeks ago when I was sick and chose benadryl. My baby is older than yours and sleeps all night so I wasn't concerned about her getting any. I have also in a pinch used the sudafed PE which is a different component and has not been shown to affect milk supply like original sudafed.

[jecombs]

Yes, yes, yes netti pot! Do the rinses as many times a day as you can and in between you can use saline nasal spray. It will really help clear the gunk out.

I have also used Benedryl on occassion, which no effect on my supply. The other med you can try is Mucinex. It will loosen the stuff in your nose, so it can come out more easily. Just avoid Mucinex-D (with the decongestant) because it might dry you up. You can also try some Vaporub, as long as you don't get it on the baby. I know some people who swear that putting it on your feet, then wearing cotton socks to bed completely breaks-up congestion. I've never tried it, though (I just put it on my chest).

Are you running a humdifier in your bedroom at night? That always helps me when I'm feeling congested. It helps keep things nice and loose and moisturized while you sleep.

[chel]

i get a children's liquid pseud so i can take onlt a tiny amount
i haven't noticed a supply issue