With the chilly winter months upon us, it’s only time before you get your first cold.  It starts with a sneeze, turns into a runny nose, and may even end up with a scratchy throat. Not only is there no time for mom to be sick with a new infant, but many cold medications that are designed to dry up your sinuses will dry up your supply, too. Here are some creative cures for that nasty common cold:

1)     Rest: It sounds simple, but you can’t take care of someone else if you are not well. Nursing a newborn is a demanding job in itself.  Take the time to nap while baby naps. Sit down and prop your feet up while nursing. Take advantage of help from family or friends and give yourself a little down time from mommyhood. Nurse lying down!

2)     Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids. Keep a water bottle by your chair or wherever you nurse your little one. Drinking plenty of water will keep your supply strong.

3)     Use Steam: Consider using a humidifier or take a hot bath during naptime. Try steam inhalation. Fill a pot of water on the stove and boil. Gently lean over into the pot and take deep breaths as you inhale the steam. Try covering your head and the pot with a towel. You can even add some Vicks Vapor Rub to the pot for a greater impact.

4)     Vitamins & Herbs: Increase your Vitamin C intake. Try taking some garlic. You can eat it raw, cook it, or take a supplement.

5)     Drink tea: Black tea is great for an itchy throat. Add some honey. Fenugreek tea can help with chest congestion. Chamomile tea can help cure a cough.

6)     Breathe in some essential oils: Lavender or peppermint oils will do the trick. Gargle with salt water or try a gargle of apple cider vinegar and water. 

There are several safe medications you can take for a cold and any aches or pains you have. I was once told, “If it can dry up your snot, it can dry up your milk!” Stay away from medications that can decrease your milk supply.  It’s never a bad idea to check with your local physician, midwife, or a trusted source before taking something. Pretty soon, you will be as good as new. Until then, try some of these remedies. Take care of yourself, momma!

Karyn is a mom of 1 who doesn’t like to be sick.  She does like chamomile tea, hot baths, and snuggles with her daughter, Johanna.