Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms: Preconception, Pumping & Parenting Support

Hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time is an exciting moment during pregnancy, and using a Doppler device can help you experience that joy. But when can you actually hear it? Below, we take a look at the timeline for using a Doppler to detect a fetal heartbeat, what factors may affect the sound, and some tips for using the device effectively. Whether you're an expecting parent or just curious, they can improve your pregnancy journey! When Heartbeat Will Start for Baby? Early in pregnancy, around 6 weeks, your baby's heart begins to form and beat. You can usually hear the heartbeat on an ultrasound by 7 to 8 weeks. Hearing the heartbeat is a key indicator of your baby's health, and you may feel a sense of joy and anticipation during this time. Early testing and monitoring can help confirm your pregnancy and make sure you and your baby are healthy. When Can You Hear the Fetal Heartbeat with a Doppler? Early Detection (6 to 10 Weeks) After about 6 weeks, your baby's heart begins to form. While some people may hear a heartbeat with a Doppler as early as 8 to 10 weeks, this is uncommon. Reliable Detection (10 to 14 Weeks) The best time to hear your baby's heartbeat with a home Doppler is between 10 and 14 weeks. During this period, you have a better chance of clearly detecting it, although factors such as your body size and your baby's position can still affect it. If you have any concerns, always consult your healthcare provider! What Are the Types of Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring? Fetal heart rate monitoring can monitor the health of your baby during pregnancy and delivery. But there are many types of equipment to detect your baby's heart rate. Let's take a look at the main types. External Monitoring Doppler Ultrasound: This handheld device uses high-frequency sound waves to detect your baby's heartbeat, and you can use it around 10 to 12 during your pregnancy. It's portable and noninvasive, making it easy for you to use. Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM): EFM has two sensors that are placed on your abdomen, one to measure your baby's heart rate and the other to track your contractions. They provide continuous data to help your healthcare team detect any abnormalities during labor. Internal Monitoring Fetal Scalp Electrodes: This test involves attaching a small electrode to your baby's scalp through your cervix after your water breaks. It gives you accurate, continuous readings and is typically used during labor. Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC): The IUPC measures pressure inside the uterus, providing detailed information about contractions. It works well with fetal scalp electrodes to help your healthcare provider make important decisions during labor. Continuous Monitoring Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring: This type of monitoring tracks your baby's heart rate and contractions throughout labor. It enables your medical team to respond quickly to any signs of distress, giving you peace of mind throughout the process. Intermittent Monitoring Intermittent Auscultation: Auscultation involves periodically checking your baby's heartbeat using a handheld Doppler or stethoscope. It is used during labor in low-risk pregnancies, allowing you to move freely more easily. How Should I Use a Doppler to Check My Baby's Heartbeat? Learning how to use a fetal Doppler to check your baby's heartbeat will allow you to communicate with your baby and bring you closer to your baby. Here's how to use a fetal Doppler: Choose the Right Time: You can use the Doppler when your baby is most active, such as after a meal or when you are taking a short break. If you have just finished lunch and feel your baby moving, then this is a good time to detect. And extra movement can make it easier to hear the fetal heartbeat. Find a Comfortable Position: You can stretch out on a comfortable sofa or bed, and use a few pillows to support your body. This position will not only help you relax but also give you better access to your abdomen. Apply Gel: Before you start, apply a little water-based ultrasound gel to your abdomen. Just squeeze a little on your skin and it will create a better connection between the Doppler and the skin, just like using lotion before a massage! Find the Fetal Heartbeat: Turn on the Doppler and slowly move it around your abdomen. Start low near the pubic bone and gradually move up to your belly button. If you are in the second trimester, you can tilt the device at an angle. Listen Carefully: After the heartbeat is detected, you can listen to the rhythmic sound of the heartbeat. If you don't hear it right away, don't worry! You can move around so that your baby may change position. Then, reposition the Doppler and try again a few minutes later. Limit Use: Only use the Doppler a few times a week. Overuse can cause anxiety if you don't hear a heartbeat right away. Remember, it's all about enjoying the connection with your baby, so stay relaxed and have fun! What Are the Factors That Affect Fetal Heartbeat Detection? When we detect the baby's heartbeat, sometimes we can't detect it. The following are several factors that can affect the fetal heartbeat: Gestational Age: The earlier in pregnancy, the harder it is to hear your baby's heartbeat. For example, around 8 weeks of pregnancy, you may not hear anything yet, but by 10 to 12 weeks, as your baby grows, you may be able to hear a heartbeat. Body size: If you have a higher BMI, it may be a little harder to hear the heartbeat early on. So, it may be a reason why your doctor had a hard time finding it during your first test. Fetal Position: If your baby is facing away from the Doppler, you may not be able to hear a heartbeat. Changing your position can really help your doctor get a better reading. Type of Monitoring: Your doctor may give a different reading if they are using a handheld Doppler compared to electronic fetal monitoring. If they have a hard time finding the heartbeat, they may switch to a method that makes auscultation easier. Amniotic Fluid Levels: If your amniotic fluid levels are low, it may make auscultation more difficult. If your doctor notices this during the exam, they may recommend some additional monitoring. Where to Buy a Doppler to Hear Baby's Heartbeat? If you want to buy a Doppler to listen to your baby's heartbeat, there are several places you can buy one: Online Retailers: You can find all types of fetal Dopplers on sites like Amazon and eBay, where customer reviews can really help you make a decision. Check out specialty sites like Mommed to see their carefully curated selections just for parents. Local Stores: Don’t forget to check your local baby or maternity stores to see if they have Dopplers. That way, you can see them in person and ask the staff any questions you have. Larger drug stores may also have them. Medical Supply Stores: Medical supply stores also tend to carry professional-grade Dopplers, which can give you better reliability and sound quality. Plus, the staff there can help you choose the right Doppler for your needs. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: It’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for advice. They can recommend a trusted brand or model that’s right for you. Conclusion In this article, we discussed the exciting journey of hearing your baby's heartbeat using a Doppler device. You learned the key factors that influence when and how you hear your baby's heartbeat, helping you deepen your bond with your baby during pregnancy. It's important to note that if you have any concerns, talk to your healthcare provider! Are you considering buying a fetal Doppler for your baby? With the Mommed Fetal Doppler, you can not only see your baby's heartbeat clearly on the screen, but also track every step. In addition, Mommed also provides a range of products to support you throughout your pregnancy, from pre-pregnancy pregnancy tests to breastfeeding essentials (such as our Mommed S21). Make your pregnancy experience smoother, come and consult our official website for more information. Related reading: How Early Can You Take a Pregnancy Test？

When it comes to feeding babies and toddlers, the main concern many parents have is how to choose foods that are tasty and will teach them healthy eating habits. After all, learning how to eat healthy is not innate; instead, people have to be taught how to eat healthy and it’s never too early to start. Fortunately, establishing healthy eating habits for infants and toddlers isn’t as complicated as it seems, especially if you use a little common sense. The Basics: What You Need to Know For the first year in a baby’s life, they should get most of their nutrition from either breast milk or formula. At around six months, most parents begin to add solid foods, but keep in mind that breast milk or formula should still be their main source of nutrition. Babies need to remain on breast milk or formula until they are one year old, at which time you can switch them to whole milk. Solid foods should include pureed baby food and eventually finger foods such as soft diced vegetables and fruit without any salt or other things added. These things may sound simple but they are crucial when it comes to establishing mealtime routines and healthy habits for your child. Babies are watching what you do and how you’re taking care of them, including the food you give them. The first rule of thumb is that everything you feed them should be pure and as fresh as possible with no sugar, salt, butter, etc., added to it. If you give them diced carrots, for example, they should be eating only the carrots with nothing added. Let’s Get Specific! As a general rule, what your baby eats will depend on their age, and here are some basic guidelines to follow: Zero to six months: Breast milk or baby formula only. Six to eight months: No dairy. Start solids with two tablespoons of single-grain cereal mixed with a little breast milk or formula. Start them with cereal, then add veggies, and finally, fruits. Your goal should be to feed them two to three tablespoons of each food once or twice a day. Eight to twelve months: At this age, you can add a little bit of dairy. You can continue to feed them cereal, veggies, and fruits, and you can add cottage cheese, yogurt, or cheese in small amounts once a day. If you eat healthy yourself, there is nothing wrong with letting your baby have a little bit of what you’re eating, as long as it’s soft, cut up into small pieces, and nutritious. There are also foods that babies should never get in the first year of life, including cow’s milk, honey, hard foods like raw fruits and vegetables, any type of fruit juice (they’re just empty calories), and sticky foods such as peanut butter. Yet another rule of thumb is to keep portion sizes small. If you compare portion sizes for adults in the United States, they are much bigger than in other countries, so the sooner babies learn about portion size, the better. When you’re feeding them any of the foods listed above, stick with one to two tablespoons per serving and no more. Ways to Develop Healthy Eating Routines for Your Baby Eating healthy takes more than just feeding your baby the right foods. They also need to establish a routine for eating their meals because the right baby feeding schedules help teach them the importance of eating at regular intervals throughout the day. Here are some tips that can make this happen: Try to feed the baby at the same time every day. Babies like routine, and knowing that they’ll be fed at certain times throughout the day, every day, is something they’ll love. Eat as a family whenever you can. Babies love eating with the rest of the family, and they’ll learn something new every time they do so. Make sure the environment is calm. Meal times can be messy and fun, but they shouldn’t be unpleasant or too chaotic. Encourage them to feed themselves. Babies might be awkward with a spoon at first, but it’s the only way for them to get good at it. Establish some type of post-meal routine. Let the baby see you pick up dishes and clean up so they can know that mealtime is done. Promoting healthy eating in babies is not difficult, but it is still an important task if you want to give your baby the best start in life. They deserve nothing less. Conclusion Giving babies a healthy start in life requires a little planning on your part, but it is not difficult. Feeding them the right foods at the right age and making sure that all of the foods you give them are nutritious, soft, and cut into small pieces makes a huge difference. So does feeding them at regular intervals, letting them eat with the family, and encouraging them to feed themselves.

Parenthood is an extraordinary journey, filled with countless ups and downs that can challenge even the strongest of couples. However, navigating this new chapter together can be immensely rewarding, especially when you find ways to support and uplift each other along the way. From sharing parenting responsibilities to fostering effective communication strategies, there are lots of ways for couples to strengthen their bond and create a harmonious environment for their growing family. From my experience, it might take some work and there will be ups and downs, but it is possible to navigate the joys and complexities of parenthood as a united front.   Share Parenting Responsibilities When it comes to shared responsibilities in parenthood, I believe it's essential to establish clear communication and a supportive partnership with your co-parent. Equal parenting means openly discussing and agreeing upon the even distribution of tasks and responsibilities, such as feeding, bathing, and bedtime routines. In our home I will make dinner, whilst my husband looks after bathtime. We then both do the bedtime routine, each putting one child to bed. It works well for us. However, I also think it’s important to be flexible and understanding, as parenting can be unpredictable and ever-changing. Sometimes his work commitments mean that I will need to do more, other times I just really need a break so he will step up.  The key is to regularly check in with each other to ensure that both parents feel supported and valued in their roles. Remember to be an active listener, validating your co-parent's concerns and ideas. By working together as a team, you can create a harmonious environment for your child and foster a sense of unity and cooperation in your parenting journey. Together, you can navigate the ups and downs of parenthood with confidence and strength.   Practice Effective Communication Strategies Communication is key in any relationship and when you add kids to the mix it becomes even more so. Effective communication strategies include actively listening to each other's concerns, thoughts, and ideas without judgment or interruption. Make an effort to express your own feelings and needs clearly, using 'I' statements to avoid blame or defensiveness. Remember to be respectful and considerate of your partner's perspective, even if you disagree. Find a time and place where you can have uninterrupted conversations about important parenting decisions and create a safe space for open dialogue. We like to schedule in a regular date night just to discuss life and to make sure we are on the same page with things. I feel it's also helpful to establish non-verbal cues or signals to indicate when one of you needs a break or time to process information. By prioritizing effective communication, you can strengthen your partnership and create a supportive parenting environment.   Create a Strong Emotional Support System Having people you can turn to during the ups and downs of parenting can provide you with the emotional validation and guidance you need. Seek out friends, family members, or support groups who've experience in raising children or who are going through similar challenges. Whether it is individuals or other couples, these people can offer a listening ear, share advice, and help you feel less alone in your journey. Don’t forget though, it's important to actively nurture these relationships by staying connected, reaching out for support when needed, and reciprocating when others seek your help. Ultimately, building a strong emotional support system can benefit both you and your partner as you navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood together.   Prioritize Quality Time Together Make spending quality time together a priority in your journey of parenthood. Amidst the chaos of raising children, it's crucial for couples to carve out time for nurturing a strong parental partnership. Quality time allows you to connect on a deeper level, strengthening your bond and maintaining a healthy relationship. Set aside regular date nights or weekend getaways to focus solely on each other. Remember, quality time doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive; it can be as simple as enjoying a quiet dinner at home or going for a walk together. Avoid distractions like phones or work-related discussions during your designated time together.   Nurture Individual Self-Care Practices Sometimes the best thing you can do for your relationship is to take time to prioritize your own self-care practices, ensuring that you're nurturing your own well-being alongside your responsibilities.  When you feel overwhelmed, tired, or stressed it's easy to get annoyed at the small things which can impact your relationship. Over time this can lead to feeling unsupported and ultimately resentment.  So, whether it's going for a walk, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness, make self-care a priority. Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary for your overall well-being. By nurturing your own needs, you'll have more energy and patience for your kids and your partner.   Be Flexible Be flexible and adaptable! Recognizing that parenting is a constantly evolving journey allows couples to remain responsive to their child's changing needs and developmental stages. Whether it's modifying sleep routines, adjusting disciplinary approaches, or revising schedules to accommodate new milestones, the ability to reassess and adapt becomes a valuable skill in fostering a resilient and harmonious family dynamic.  By embracing flexibility, couples can approach the uncertainties of parenthood with a shared commitment to navigating the challenges together, reinforcing their bond as they evolve alongside their growing family.   Express Appreciation Parenting can be demanding, and acknowledging each other's contributions helps build a positive and supportive atmosphere. My biggest tip is to learn your partners love language and show appreciation in a way that they will receive it.  For example, if their love language is word of affirmation, a simple "thank you" might be all they need to feel appreciated.  If their love language is quality time, then it might be scheduling a walk together or a date night once the kids have gone to bed.  No matter how you show or receive love, it’s these moments of appreciation that can help to foster a positive atmosphere, nurturing a sense of teamwork and shared purpose.    Celebrate Milestones In the day-to-day hustle of parenting, ensure you make time to celebrate both the small and big milestones in your child's life and your relationship.  I think it really helps to solidify that partner support in parenting when you recognize and celebrate your achievements together. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the joy of parenthood. Guest Author Alison Banfieldproudhappymama " Hi, I'm Allison! I'm an experienced mom of two, wife, and founder of Proud Happy Mama! Backed with a Masters Degree in Public Health, a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion, a long career in health and safety, and 10 years of hands-on experience using, researching, and testing baby products, I love to use my parenting experience to support and encourage other parents. "

As a new mom, the transition to motherhood can be both exciting and overwhelming. The journey of motherhood is a unique experience for every woman, but one common factor is the need for a strong support system. A support system can include family, friends, healthcare providers, and other new moms who can offer guidance, advice, and emotional support. The importance of a support system for new moms cannot be overstated. It can help alleviate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress that often come with the challenges of motherhood. Having someone to talk to and share experiences with can make a significant difference in a new mom's mental health and well-being. Additionally, a support system can provide practical assistance such as helping with household chores, cooking meals, and caring for the baby, which can give new moms the time and space they need to rest and recover. So, don't underestimate the importance of having a support system – it can truly be a game-changer for your well-being and confidence as a new parent.   Emotional Benefits of Support Systems Being a new mom, having a support system can provide numerous emotional benefits. Here are some of the most significant ones: Reducing Postpartum Depression Postpartum depression is a common condition that affects many new moms. However, having a postpartum support system can help reduce the risk of developing this condition. Studies have shown that new moms who have a strong support system are less likely to experience postpartum depression than those who don't. Reducing Feelings of Isolation Connecting with other moms who've faced similar challenges can significantly reduce feelings of isolation for new moms. Being a new mom can be isolating at times, especially when you're navigating through unfamiliar territory. However, by reaching out to other moms who've gone through or are going through the same experiences, you can find comfort, social support, and a sense of belonging. Enhancing Maternal Self-Esteem Becoming a new mom can be overwhelming and challenging, which can sometimes affect a woman's self-esteem. However, having a support system can help boost maternal self-esteem. When a new mom has people around her who offer encouragement, praise, and support, she is more likely to feel confident in her abilities as a mother. Fostering Parental Bonding Having a support system can also help foster parental bonding. When a new mom has people around her who are supportive and caring, she is more likely to feel connected to her baby and to enjoy the experience of being a parent. This, in turn, can help strengthen the bond between parent and child. At the end of the day, a great social support group should be there to listen to your concerns, validate your feelings, and offer a shoulder to lean on. They should help provide you with a safe space where you can express your joys, fears, and frustrations without judgment. As well as helping alleviate your anxieties and make you feel less alone on this journey. Emotional support can also come in the form of reassurance and encouragement, reminding you that you're doing your best and that it's okay to ask for help.   Physical Health and Recovery When navigating the challenges of motherhood, new mothers greatly benefit from the practical assistance of their support system in tackling daily tasks. Whilst this will look different for each new mom, here are a few ways in which a support system can physically help you as a new mom. Assistance with Postpartum Care Postpartum care includes help with tasks such as bathing, changing, and feeding the baby, as well as assistance with personal care and household chores. Having someone to rely on can help alleviate stress and allow for a smoother recovery process. In addition, having access to medical professionals who specialize in postpartum care can also be beneficial. This can include a healthcare provider who can monitor physical healing and provide guidance on any concerns or complications that may arise. Promotion of Healthy Habits A support system can also play a crucial role in promoting healthy habits for new moms. This includes encouraging proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise, as well as providing emotional support and encouragement. Having someone to exercise with or prepare healthy meals with can make it easier to maintain healthy habits. Additionally, emotional support can help alleviate stress and promote mental well-being, which can have a positive impact on physical health. Overall, having a strong support system can be essential for new moms when it comes to physical health and recovery. With the right support in place, new moms can focus on healing and adjusting to their new role as a parent. Navigating New Parenthood As a mom of two, I know firsthand that navigating the world of parenthood can be overwhelming. There are so many new things to learn and decisions to make. Having a support system in place can make all the difference. Sharing Knowledge and Experience One of the most valuable aspects of a support system is the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other moms. Whether it's through a mom's group, online forum, or just chatting with friends, hearing about other moms' experiences can be incredibly helpful. I've found that talking with other moms about their struggles and successes has given me a sense of perspective and reassurance. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone in my struggles and that there are others who have gone through similar experiences. Access to Resources and Services Another important aspect of a support system is access to resources and services. There are so many resources available to new moms, from lactation consultants for breastfeeding support to parenting classes to mental health services. Having a support system in place can help connect you with these resources and ensure that you're getting the help you need. Whether it's a friend who recommends a great lactation consultant or a mom's group that hosts parenting classes, having access to these resources can make a big difference. Overall, navigating new parenthood can be challenging, but having a support system in place can make it much easier. By sharing knowledge and experience and having access to resources and services, new moms can feel more confident and prepared for the journey ahead.Guest writer：Allison Banfield (Founder of Proud Happy Mama)

Taking care of a baby is not child's play. You have to be constantly on your toes to fulfill their needs and ensure that you provide them with the care they need. In such times, cough and cold are no fun.  All you want is to find yourself a magic pill that can help you recover overnight so that you can get back to taking care of your helpless little one. However, when you are breastfeeding, you cannot just pick and swallow any pill. Your breastmilk will carry traces of almost everything you eat to your baby. So, without further ado, let's great straight to finding out if taking Mucinex while breastfeeding is safe. Keep reading to learn more about the drug's works, Mucinex side effects, and natural alternatives if available.  What Is Mucinex? Mucinex is used to treat chest congestion that occurs during respiratory tract infections. If you have a common cold or have been diagnosed with bronchitis or pneumonia, you will most likely be prescribed Mucinex. It is a class of medicine referred to as expectorant. Expectorants help clear up your lungs and airways. They do this by thinning the mucus, which leads to a more productive cough. To simplify, we can say that expectorants loosen the mucus and help you cough up more phlegm. This relieves congestion and also throws out the pathogens trapped by the mucus, preventing your body from being attacked by them. If you have ever considered Mucinex a cough suppressant, this is the right time to throw the confusion out of the window. Cough suppressants act on your brain and reduce the reflex that causes you to cough. But expectorants like Mucinex help you cough more mucus to clear the congestion.  Guaifenesin:The Active Ingredient of Mucinex Mucinex is the brand name under which the expectorant Guaifenesin is sold. It reduces the viscosity of your mucus by hydrating it, making your cough more productive. Guaifenesin is found in an array of cold medicines, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough suppressants. At present, it is the only expectorant to have got the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. Mucinex side effects are usually minimal when taken at prescribed doses.However, potential side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, headache, rashes, constipation, nausea, and vomiting if taken more than required. Now, let's see if Mucinex qualifies as one of the cold medicines safe for breastfeeding mothers.  Can You Take Mucinex While Breastfeeding? Not much research has been conducted on the safety of taking Mucinex while breastfeeding. The limited number of studies that have been conducted show that trace amounts of Mucinex pass into breast milk. However, the amount is too negligible to have a profound physiological impact on breastfed infants. Therefore, Mucinex is usually considered safe for breastfeeding. It is placed in the L2 category of Dr. Hale's classification of drugs based on their compatibility with breastfeeding. If you are totally new to this concept, let us break it down.  Hale's Classification L1- Drugs that are categorized as L1 are the safest. Enough evidence supports that the intake of these drugs does not have adverse effects on breastfed babies.   L2- drugs in this category are said to be safer. Research has been conducted on these drugs only on a limited number of breastfeeding mothers. However, the conclusions state that these drugs are safe for breastfed babies.   L3- These drugs are moderately safe. Medicines in this class either have minimal side effects or have not been subjected to controlled studies. These can be prescribed in cases where the benefits outweigh the side effects.   L4- This is the class of possibly hazardous drugs. These medicines are known to harm either breastfed infants or affect milk production. They still have a chance to be prescribed in cases where no safer drug is available to pull the nursing mother out of a severe condition.   L5- L5 category drugs are contraindicated. There is sufficient evidence to indicate significant risks for breastfed infants. The benefits of these drugs fail to outweigh their adverse effects; therefore, they are never prescribed to breastfeeding mothers.  Hence, as an L2 category drug, Mucinex easily makes it to the list of cold medicines safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, here is a little piece of information we want you to embed in your mind. Mucinex doesn't contain only Guaifenesin. It can have other drugs like dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine. Mucinex D, used as a decongestant, has pseudoephedrine, a compound responsible for reducing milk supply. Therefore, never forget to check the composition of Mucinex while buying. The smartest thing is to talk to your doctor first and then gulp down the pill. This will keep you and your baby above any possible risks. After taking the medicine, it is better not to nurse your baby for a couple of hours and allow the drug to clear up your system. If your baby's mealtime falls around the time you have been advised to take a pill, you can pump the milk before taking the medicine and tap into the stored supply when needed. The Wonders of Natural Expectorants Although taking Mucinex during breastfeeding is safe, there are a plethora of natural expectorants which show equal effectiveness in loosening mucus and making your cough productive. So, if you catch a cold while breastfeeding and are hesitant to take medicines, natural expectorants can help you heal. Even if you take medications, you can still reap the benefits of home remedies and experience a faster recovery. Moisture is the most basic yet effective expectorant. Take a hot shower and see how easily you can cough out the phlegm. Nothing can surpass the effectiveness of warm water during a common cold. Honey, peppermint, and ivy green have also been found to treat chest congestion efficiently. Make yourself a glass of warm water, add honey and slurp your sweet drink to pull out the stubborn cough, or make yourself a cup of peppermint or ivy green tea and sip them to ease the congestion.  Conclusion Based on the research conducted so far, taking Mucinex while breastfeeding is not harmful. However, the breastfeeding journey is unique to every woman, and all of our bodies respond differently to different substances.Therefore, if you catch a cold during breastfeeding and the tightness in your chest troubles you, don't write your own prescription. Talk to your doctor and confirm that Mucinex is a suitable choice of medicine.If they have another opinion, then blindly go by it. You can, however, always complement your medication with natural remedies to recover faster.