Can You Take Cough Medicine While Nursing?

Taking medication to subdue a cough or cold while breastfeeding is a touchy subject, but generally is safe for the most part. Your physician may or may not approve the use of cough medicine for you if you are nursing, but that depends on the doctor. There are many rules to live by when you are feeding your baby directly from your body's natural milk, so taking every precaution necessary is a must.

Robitussin

The most popular cough remedy for a breastfeeding mother is Robitussin, but once again make sure it is approved by your physician. With anything you are putting into your body, make sure you check the ingredients list if you are going to buy generic forms of any medication. You want to avoid higher alcohol content and menthol as both will slow down milk production. It is also important to take the medicine after your baby feeds and not before as less medication will be processed with the milk. The amount of alcohol ingested is not enough to harm the baby, but do not abuse the medicine.

Sprays and Lozenges

Throat sprays and lozenges are generally safe to use while breastfeeding. The one thing to avoid is using lozenges that have an excessive amount of menthol as the active ingredient. Menthol slows milk production and therefore is not good for a nursing mother.

Codeine

For pain, codeine is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics as a suitable way to find relief. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen, Advil and Tylenol, are also considered safe to use while nursing. Aspirin is to be avoided as it will increase the risk of Reye's syndrome and internal bleeding in the infant.

Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops

Most, if not all nasal sprays, are considered to be safe. Afrin is safe to use while nursing, but Afrin overuse can result in dependency. Eye drops are also on the same level as nasal sprays; they are safe to use, but overuse is cautioned against. Before using either nasal spray or eye drops, you need to talk to your physician about which one is recommended or if it is even an option.

Natural Remedies

Herbal tea, garlic and honey are the best alternatives when it comes to battling a cough. Chamomile tea steeped for one minute with honey and lemon juice will battle a cough better than some prescribed medications, so give those homeopathic remedies a chance.

How to Take Supplements that Decrease Breast Milk Production

Many mothers work hard to increase breast milk supply, but there are times when mothers may want to decrease breast milk production, such as weaning, medical conditions, medication issues or, in severe cases, the death of a baby. While there are supplements and foods that women can consume to reduce breast milk supply, it is important to know how to take these supplements. Improper approaches to reduced supply can cause unexpected health problems.

Instructions

1

Start with peppermint tea. Peppermint is a notorious anti-galactogogue and will help to reduce your breast milk supply. Drink at least 3, and up to 6, cups of peppermint tea each day.

2

Eat lots of cabbage. Cabbage is an anti-galactogogue as well, and if you are not providing breast milk to an infant, you do not have to worry about the gaseous properties that can pass into the breast milk. Do not eat too much cabbage; it can cause digestive distress for yourself! Also, take fresh cabbage leaves and place them inside your bra. Cover the entire breast. The cabbage leaves will help to reduce engorgement and decrease milk supply.

3

Drink "just enough" water. When you breastfeed, you drink extra water. If your body does not need to produce breast milk, don't provide it with the extra water. Drink no more than 64 oz. of water, juice and fluids per day.

4

Drink sage tea or eat sage as a spice in foods. You can buy sage capsules as well. Sage helps to dry up breast milk production.

5

Take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Claritin. Just as antihistamines dry up your sinuses, so too they dry up breast milk. Do not overdo antihistamines, however; take the recommended dose for allergies, and this should be enough to decrease breast milk supply.

How to Measure for a Nursing Bra

If you plan on breastfeeding, nursing bras provide the additional support youll need. You can expect your breasts to grow one bra size or more during pregnancy and while nursing. Consumer Reports recommends shopping for a bra four weeks or less before your delivery date to ensure the best fit. Buying the right size bra will help you stay comfortable while nursing, states Lynne Andrako, a clinical education specialist for Medela, a breast pump and nursing-bra manufacturer. She says an estimated 80 percent of women get the wrong size. Knowing how to properly find your measurements can help you avoid this problem.

Instructions

1

Hold the measuring tape against your rib cage with one hand and wrap it around your chest. Tighten it under your arms and directly below your breasts. Add 3 inches to the measurement indicated on the tape to get your band size. If you get an odd number, round it up to the next even number.

2

Place the measuring tape straight across your back and over the fullest area of your breasts. Do not tighten the tape enough to flatten your breasts. Look at the measurement on the tape, which represents your cup measurement, and subtract the band size from this number.

3

Use the difference between your cup measurement and band size to determine your cup size. A difference of 1 to 1 1/2 inches equals cup size A; 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches equals cup size B; and 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches equals cup size C. A difference of 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 inches equals cup size D; 5 to 6 inches equals cup size E or DD; and 6 to 7 inches equals cup size F or DDD. A difference of 7 to 8 inches equals cup size G; 8 to 9 inches equals cup size H; 9 to 10 inches equals cup size I; and 10 to 11 inches equals cup size J.

Is the Atkins Diet Safe While Breastfeeding?

When you're a new nursing mother, two of the biggest concerns on your mind will be the safety of what you are ingesting and how to lose your extra baby weight. The Atkins diet, a high-protein, virtually carb-free eating plan, is a popular weight-loss regimen. It's often used as a quick way to lose pounds, so as a new mother, you may wonder if it's a good and safe plan to follow. There is evidence to suggest, though, that the Atkins diet is not the healthiest plan for breastfeeding mothers.

What is the Atkins Diet?

The Atkins diet was formulated by Dr. Robert Atkins as a way to manage his own weight. His theory being that refined carbs ("white foods") are the reason so many Americans are obese. During the first two-week phase of the diet, called Induction, you will eat mostly protein, very little carbs forcing your body into a state called ketosis. In this state, your body will use fat stores as energy, but many view this as dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

Taking Care of Yourself

Per Jay Hoecker, M.D., a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic, three of the most important things you can do while nursing is drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and eating a balanced, healthy diet. The Atkins diet is not balanced, eliminating almost entirely an important food group, so it's best not to follow it while nursing your infant. A diet rich in all healthy food groups will help you feel best and have the energy to nurse and take care of your baby.

Natural Weight Loss While Nursing

It's not just an old wives' tale -- you burn extra calories if you are breastfeeding your baby. Your body uses the stored energy in fat to make milk, thus helping you to to lose weight faster if you follow a sensible diet with moderate exercise, per the lactation experts at Baby Center.

Dehydration While on Atkins

According to David Levitsky, Cornell University professor of nutritional sciences, one of the dangers of the Atkins diet is dehydration. Once ketosis begins, you will lose glycogen in your liver. Since your body does not have enough glucose to control your blood sugar levels, it begins using glycogen instead. Glycogen contains many water molecules, and thus your body gets rid of a lot of water in the initial phases of a high-protein diet. Staying well hydrated is paramount to a healthy milk supply when breastfeeding, and the Atkins plan does not support that.

What to Eat While Breastfeeding

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet for breastfeeding mothers is full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are the exact items that the Atkins diet asks you to eliminate. Be easy on yourself, listen to the old adage: nine month on, nine months off and give yourself time to lose your weight in a healthy manner.

How to Save Big Money on Baby Formula

Wow, as parents of ten children we have surely discovered that children don't come cheap! Right from the beginning they draint he budget with baby formula, baby food, diapers, etc. We have learned how to save money on every aspect. Now you can find more ways to save money, too!

Instructions

1

The biggest way to save on baby formula is to not need it! Breastfeeding is the biggest money-saver plus it has other major advantages such as better protection from SIDS, fewer illnesses (which is also a money-saver when it comes to paying for doctor visits!), less change of developing allergies, asthma, and tooth decay, less likely to be obese, and better school performance. Mothers' benefits are losing baby weight more quickly and better protection against postpartum anemia and even some types of cancer

2

Even though breastfeeding is better,s ometimes the circumstances of life prevent it. With my last three babies, I have had to use infant formula for a substantial part of their babyhood. For whatever reasons, if you do not breastfeed exclusively then keep in mind that the generic brands of baby formula are required by law to have the same nutritional makeup as the brand names. yet they will net you a savings of about 50%!. Even if your child needs soy formula or formula for sensitive stomachs you can still get a generic. The Target brand is especially nice because it dissolves very quickly and is very easy to scoop.

Buy it wholesale if you can. In my area we can buy it in 2-can packs at the Costco wholesale store. It is cheaper than all the other stores near us by far.

3

Another strategy to save money is to use coupons. You will save the most money when a store is having a sale on infant formula. Several drugstores such as CVS and Walgreen's have special purchasing programs where you can get $5 off a purchase of $15 or more. In addition to this you can use your coupons. So you end up with quite a discount on your baby formula! The trick is to have enough baby coupons when you need them. Cupons are available for purchase on eBay as well as several other websites listed below as well as Freecycle.

4

If you can locate people who have toddlers who have leftover baby formula they no longer need you can often get it for a great price or even free!. You can search on Craigslist, request it on Freecycle, search for it on eBay, and put a free ad in the newspaper for it, not to mention spreading the word among your friends.

5

Another alternative is to make your own homemade baby formula. The World Health Organization has posted a recipe for homemade infant formula that is suitable for short-term use:

"The recommendations when using liquid cow or goat milk in infants less than 6 months old and for each feed are the following:
* For the one-month-old mix 40 ml of milk with 20 ml of boiled water and add 4 g of sugar
* For a two-months old mix 60 ml of milk with 30 ml of boiled water and add 6g of sugar
* for infants 3-4 months old mix 80 ml of milk with 40 ml of boiled water and add 8g of sugar
* For infants 5-6 months old mix 100 ml of milk with 50 ml of boiled water and add 10g of sugar

The following is recommended for preparing a substitute using evaporated milk and for each feed:
* For the one-month old mix 16 ml of evaporated milk with 44 ml of boiled water and add 4g of sugar
* For the two-month old mix 24ml of evaporated milk with 66 ml of boiled water and add 6g of sugar
* For infants 3-4 months old mix 32ml of evaporated milk with 88ml of boiled water and add 8g of sugar
* For infants 5-6 months old mix 40ml of evaporated milk with 110ml of boiled water and add 10g of sugar"

Those who need to use baby formula on an extended basis may want to use the recipe found on Dr. Mercola's website for a do-it-yourself baby formula, cow's milk or goat's milk versions. You do need to sign up for his newsletter to get access but it's easy to unsubscribe. The ingredients include whole milk, whey, lactose, bifidobacterium infantis, cream, cod liver oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil, nutritional yeast flakes, gelatin and acerola powder. He also gives sources for these ingredients as well.

Whichever steps you choose, it is possible to greatly reduce the amount of money you spend on baby formula!

How to Wean off Breastmilk With Pumping

Breast pumping usually takes 15 minutes per breast with an electric pump and 45 minutes with a manual pump. The best pumps will mimic the action of a baby sucking the nipple. The shields included with the pumps come in various sizes, so use smaller shields for small nipples and larger shields for big nipples. This will ensure that you don't pinch and irritate your skin. You can also squirt the milk into a bottle by hand if you only need to provide a minimal amount.

Instructions

Electric Pump

1

Put a breast shield from the electric pump over your nipple. Sit up and lean forward. Turn the machine on. It will begin to express the milk out of your breast for storage in a container, which is already attached to the pump. Form a C with your hand by placing your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side of you nipple. Compress the areola in a rolling motion.

2

Use a hands-free pumping bra if you want to read a book or do another activity while you are pumping.

3

Set the pump on the lowest setting and then gradually increase it as you become more comfortable. Stay calm and relaxed for the best pumping action, according to babycenter.com.

4

Pour the milk into a bottle and offer it to your baby. It could take a while for your baby to adjust, but hold the bottle close to your nipple at first and eventually your baby will draw milk from the bottle.

Manual Pump

5

Place the breast shield of the pump over your nipple. Sit up and lean forward. (Various styles of manual pumps are available.) Either squeeze the pump or pull the plunger with one hand while using the other hand to secure the shield to your nipple.

6

Form a C with your hand by placing your thumb on one side and your index finger on the other side of your nipple. Compress the areola in a rolling motion. Suction softly until you get the hang of it. It could feel strange at first. You might want to massage your nipple before expressing the milk.

7

Stay calm and relaxed for the best pumping action, according to babycenter.com.

8

Pour the milk into a bottle and offer it to your baby. It could take a while for your baby to adjust, but hold the bottle close to you nipple at first and eventually your baby will draw milk from the bottle.

How to Buy Nursing Pads

Nursing pads can save a breastfeeding mother from public embarrassment by absorbing the milk from leaking breasts. Choosing the type of pad to use is only half the battle. Learn what to look for in washable and disposable nursing pads in order to maximize your money and your absorbency.

Instructions

1

Choose which type of nursing pad you would like to use. When buying nursing pads, the first choice you must make is whether or not you will use washable or disposable pads. This is a personal choice and often rests on which is more convenient for you and your schedule. Some mothers often choose to use both.

2

Decide on a washable pad if you are looking for the best long-term value. Though you must continuously wash them in order to always have clean and dry pads, you obviously get a longer life span than with disposable nursing pads. If you do not have the time to dedicate to washing and sanitizing the pads, then disposable pads would be better.

3

Purchase washable nursing pads that are preferably made of 100% cotton for maximum airflow to nipples and breasts. Some nursing pad brands offer a lace or decorated overlay which is fine if the rest of the pad is made of cotton.

4

Avoid liquid fabric softener when using washable nursing pads, as this may destroy or disrupt the pad's absorbency. Using fabric softener sheets are much better for keeping the pad intact and softening the texture.

5

Buy disposable nursing pads for more convenience and flexibility when it comes to your schedule. Purchase disposable pads made of 100% cotton or all paper. Most pads with plastic lining restrict the airflow to the breast and nipple area and can cause infection. Nursing pads that have restricted airflow can prevent the healing of red and sore nipples or worsen infection.

6

Use disposable pads for travel and long days out with your baby. These pads are great when you don't have a place to wash reusable pads. You can simply discard them and use a new one as needed.

7

Choose disposable nursing pads with adhesive on the back for added support. This adhesive firmly attaches the pad to your bra. There's nothing more embarrassing than having your nursing pad fall out of your bra in public or having to constantly adjust the pads.