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Doctors suggest that conventional cold medicines should not be taken by women who are either pregnant or are breastfeeding their babies. In the latter case the dangers of these medications arise from the fact that they may be secreted in the mother’s milk and have an adverse effect on the infant whose immune system is still weak.

The best cold remedies while breastfeeding are the natural remedies that do not rely on conventional medications. Some things to remember when considering home treatment for colds are:

• If your symptoms are severe and you wish to choose an over-the-counter medication, choose one that has the least number of ingredients. Often these medications come with multiple ingredients which may not be required for symptomatic relief. For example, if you want relief from cough, try an over-the-counter medication that does not include a nasal decongestant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safest medication to use for symptomatic relief.

• As far as possible, avoid the use of oral decongestants even though they may be relatively safe. Instead, try using saline drops or a nasal decongestant for a short period of time.

• Check for the inclusion of any herbal extracts in the over-the-counter medication you buy. While most people think that herbal alternatives are relatively safe and free of side effects, the fact remains that few of these extracts have been subjected to any kind of rigorous scientific study. You should avoid these products unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

• Some throat lozenges may contain ingredients such as vitamin C or zinc. Your intake of these compounds should not exceed the recommended daily allowance (RDA). Check with your doctor as to what the RDA is in your case. Exceeding these limits may have adverse effects on both you and your baby.

• If you are using a cough syrup, choose one that does not contain any alcohol.

Here are some safe home remedies that you can use to treat colds and their associated symptoms such as coughs and sore throats.

• A decoction made from slippery elm bark is an excellent cure for a sore throat.

• Green tea with honey and lemon makes an excellent cure for a sore throat.

• For nasal and chest congestion try steam inhalation. Take a pot of boiling water and bend your head over it so that the steam is rising directly into your face. Cover your head and the pot with a towel and inhale deeply. Do this for as long as you can while periodically venting the towel to prevent your face from getting scalded. It will help to clear the mucus from your chest. You can try adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Vicks vapor rub to the boiling water for greater effectiveness.

• If you are running a temperature you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce it. However, this treatment should be used only in case the temperature is over 101°F or if the fever persists for a few days. Avoid drinking alcohol when using acetaminophen.

• For sore throats, try gargling with warm salt water.

• Keep your room humidified as this will help thin mucus secretions.

• Drink adequate amounts of water to keep your body well hydrated. This will also help to thin out mucus, making expectoration easier.

• Drinking warm chicken broth can be very therapeutic when you are suffering from a cold.

• Have a steam bath twice a day. Stand in the shower for at least ten minutes and inhale the steam vapors. This will act as an effective decongestant.

If you feel that your symptoms are getting worse or are running a high fever you should consult your doctor immediately.

Reference
http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/pressreleases/uc_san_diego_experts_issue_warning_about_cold_medications_in_pregnancy/

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.