For gastrointestinal diseases

As a rule, breastfeeding does not have to be interrupted if the mother has a gastrointestinal infection. This is especially true for viral infections, which are self-limiting after a few days. It has even been shown that breastfed children suffer less frequently and less severe gastrointestinal infections because their immune system is better trained.

The pathogens are not transmitted to the child via breast milk, but most gastrointestinal diseases are transmitted via stool and vomit. In contrast, antibodies that are formed in the mother’s body during the course of the disease are passed on to the infant through breast milk. Thorough hygiene after going to the toilet and regular hand washing (also by the whole family) are necessary to protect the infant.

In the case of such a viral infection, no drug therapy can be effective, but household remedies (such as cola and salt sticks to balance the electrolytes, teas and hot-water bottles) can achieve a similarly good effect. The same applies to a simple stomach upset. In the case of more serious gastrointestinal infections with fever or after stays abroad, caution is required, here a bacterial or parasitic infection may be present.

Here a doctor should be consulted and it may be that breastfeeding has to be interrupted due to the illness or necessary antibiotics. Many breastfeeding mothers also suffer from constipation, so it is recommended to change to a diet rich in fiber and to drink enough. As a next step, linseed or Indian psyllium husks are recommended as natural swelling agents in the intestine; these are not absorbed and are therefore completely harmless. If a sufficient effect is not achieved, lactulose is the laxative of choice in the lactation period.

Common cold

In the context of a common virus infection, therapy is limited to the symptomatic treatment of the symptoms. For example, decongestant nasal spray can be safely used to improve nasal breathing. Since the active ingredient is locally effective, it can be assumed that only a very small percentage gets into the breast milk.

It is important, however, not to use the decongestant nasal spray for longer than 7 to 10 days, as otherwise the nasal mucous membrane gets used to it, which without the spray permanently swells and hinders breathing through the nose (privinism). An even less complicated alternative is nasal rinsing with saline solution. Both ibuprofen and paracetamol are suitable for pain relief (e.g. headaches and aching limbs), provided the maximum daily dose is observed.

If inhalations are not sufficient to dissolve mucus, acetylcysteine (ACC cough expectorant) can be taken, which is the expectorant of choice for nursing mothers. Combined preparations for colds are not advisable during the breastfeeding period, as they contain several unmanageable active ingredients which, when combined, can be harmful to the child and, in addition, often contain alcohol (alcohol during breastfeeding), just like many cough syrups. Studies have shown that the recovery is not accelerated by special over-the-counter cold products, so that you are on the safe side with well-tried household remedies (inhalation, teas, hot lemon) especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding.