Flu Season Remedies for a Nursing Mama

It’s a miserable thing to be a sick mama during the flu season, but when you’re a sick breastfeeding mama who is limited in what she can take, it takes it to another level.

Last year I got the flu and cold while having my premature baby, who basically had no immune system. I was scared to death that I was going to get her sick and that we would end up back in the hospital. I called my daughter’s pediatrician to make sure I knew the best way to keep her healthy. Then, it was time to take care of myself.

Here is what I did:

Keep the breast milk flowing

Either by breast or pumping; it’s the best way to keep the antibodies flowing into your baby’s system.

Drink plenty of water

I decided to research what the heck I could do to get over this quick. I started out with water; I drank so much water I thought I’d float away, but I wanted to wash out that stupid little bug!

Try a cinnamon and honey home remedy to soothe your throat

You take a teaspoon of local raw honey, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and mix it together every few hours. You can put this in your tea, oatmeal or take it by itself. Both the honey and cinnamon are antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.

Alleviate congestion 

I moved on next to all the congestion with a “Thyme Facial Steam Bath.” You put either dried thyme, or thyme essential oil, in a bowl of hot water. Lean over the bowl, with a towel draped over your head and the bowl, then inhale the steam to help loosen the mucus.

While taking a shower I would also use homemade shower discs. You’ll need to follow this recipe to make one:

Homemade Shower Discs

• 1 cup of Baking Soda
• 1/3 cup of water
• Essential Oils
• Muffin Tin & Liners

Mix baking soda and water to make a paste. Put into the muffin liners and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let the discs cool and then add a few drops of the oils on top.

Boost your immune system

To help boost my immune system I took Vitamin C and a Colostrum supplement (rich in antibacterial compounds and proteins known to stimulate the immune system) that I got from Akins. It may seem obvious, but washing hands and getting adequate sleep will also help to boost your immune system.

With doing all of the above I was able to kick that flu and cold in the butt within four days, and my daughter stayed healthy. I am obviously by no means a doctor or trying to give any medical advice, I just wanted to pass on what worked for me.

I hope, as the flu season approaches, you and your family are able to stay healthy and blessed.