What Should I Do About Nasal Congestion and Running Nose During Lactation?

Lactation is a special stage in which women need to pay special attention to their diet and other aspects as they nurse their babies. Not all foods are suitable for consumption during this period. If a mother experiences symptoms of a cold, such as nasal congestion and runny nose, extra caution is required. Minor symptoms can be alleviated through dietary adjustments, while more severe symptoms should be discussed with a doctor for appropriate medication.

Firstly, how to manage nasal congestion and runny nose during lactation:

1. Mild symptoms: For patients with minor symptoms, no immediate treatment is necessary. However, it is important to stay hydrated to help the body eliminate toxins quickly and regulate the immune system. Drinking ginger tea and brown sugar water can also be beneficial.
2. Severe symptoms: Although many mothers hesitate to use medication during lactation, for those with severe symptoms, medication may be the best choice. Prolonged illness can have adverse effects on the baby's health. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor and use medication suitable for lactation to treat the illness while maintaining the quality of breast milk.

Secondly, precautions for mothers with a cold during lactation:

1. Maintain a light diet and rest: Drink plenty of warm water, avoid difficult-to-digest and heavily flavored foods, and stick to a bland and easy-to-digest diet. Western medicine should be avoided due to its side effects, and herbal remedies are preferred.
2. Avoid high fever: It is crucial to recover from the cold quickly and avoid developing a high fever. Rest well to prevent fever.

Lastly, dietary remedies for colds during lactation:

1. Glutinous rice and scallion porridge: Wash the glutinous rice and cook it into a porridge. Add sliced scallions near the end of cooking and consume on an empty stomach.
2. Pear, jujube, and egg soup: Cut the pear into pieces and boil it with appropriate amounts of jujube, rock sugar, and ginger. Add an egg after boiling. Consume twice a day, preferably after resting in the morning and evening.
3. Chinese cabbage and radish soup: Prepare sliced Chinese cabbage hearts and white radishes. Boil them in water, add brown sugar, and consume while hot.