Nyquil and Breastfeeding

"Is it Ok to Be Taking Nyquil and Breastfeeding?"

Feeling sick? Want to know if taking Nyquil and breastfeeding is safe?

Taking Vicks Nyquil while breastfeeding is not a good idea.

It has multiple ingredients and can cause issues, like fussiness in your baby (especially in the first six weeks) and may decrease your milk supply. Try your best to avoid any other multi-action formulas such as Tylenol Multi-Symptom Cough, as well.

When using any cold medication, nursing mommies should avoid any long acting forms and multiple ingredients, and watch for drowsiness in your little sweetie or a decrease in your milk supply.

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�Thanks for the breastfeeding tips!�

Always drink extra fluids, because drugs that dry up secretions in other parts of your body may decrease your milk supply as well! That way your supply will stay high and you will feel better, too!

Decongestants

Although you should not mix Nyquil and breastfeeding, if you need the decongestant, try to choose something with 30 mg or less of pseudoephedrine.

Nasal Spray Options

If you want to use a nasal spray to relieve sinus congestion, look for preparations that contain phenylephrine or sodium chloride. (These include Afrin Saline Mist, Nasal Moist, and St. Joseph Nasal Decongestant, and Neo-Synephrine Spray.)

Avoid those that contain oxymetazoline, naphazoline, or pseudoephedrine. (These include Afrin, Dristan, Privine, or Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray or Inhaler).

Cough Formulas

To treat a cough, try to avoid products with an alcohol content of over or near 20%. Robitussin, Benylin, Triaminic Expectorant, and Vicks 44 are not harmful, but watch your baby for any drowsiness. Avoid multi-action formulas such as Tylenol Multi-Symptom Cough medication. (This is why we avoid Vicks Nyquil while breastfeeding.)

Last Resort

If you still think you want to try Nyquil and breastfeeding, check with your doctor. She may suggest that you take it to try to get one good night�s sleep and just �pump and dump� your milk. You can always feed your baby the milk you have stored up for just such an occasion.

�Thanks for the great nursing advice.�

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