How to Cure a New Breastfeeding Mother From the Flu

Catching the flu while you are recovering from labor and delivery, learning to breastfeed and care for a newborn is a lot for a woman to handle. Recovering from the flue while you are breastfeeding can pose some unique treatment problems, but there are ways to get well without harming your nursing infant.

Instructions

1

Call your doctor. It's always best to check in with your OB/GYN to tell her your symptoms and make sure you don't need an office visit. She will reassure you on the list of safe medications to take while nursing as well.

2

Rest. It may seem impossible, but you need to get as much rest as possible so that your body can recuperate. This is the time to call on your neighbor, your parent, your sibling, or your spouse or partner to help with the baby so that you can sleep. Allow your body the rest it needs to fight off the virus.

3

Take a fever reducer and pain reliever. Acetaminophen (or Tylenol) is considered the safest option while nursing, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This will help those aches and pains, plus keep down a high fever. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage, though. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause permanent liver damage.

4

Drink plenty of fluids. It's important to stay well hydrated when you have the flu. You should increase your intake of fluids while nursing anyway, according to the Mayo Clinic. Try broth, water or juice to help keep dehydration at bay.

5

Use approved nasal sprays and decongestants. If your symptoms include a runny nose or congestion, take Afrin, a spray, or Sudafed, a decongestant, or both. Both are safe while nursing, and could help you sleep if those symptoms are interfering with your ability to rest.