Is it safe to take allergy meds while breastfeeding?
The problem with most allergy drugs is that they help dry up your nasal passages and everything else too! (which accounts for the milk supply issues). These things may be "safe" to take while b/f, but you may be more sensitive to the b/f side effects.
Can medications affect your breast milk supply?
The amount of breast milk you make can dwindle for many reasons, including the medications you take. Both prescription and over-the-counter ( OTC) medications can affect your breast milk supply. Here, we’ll discuss medications known to affect, or “dry up,” breast milk supply.
Can I suppress milk supply with allergies?
I am looking through the Medications and Mothers' Milk book written by Dr. Thomas Hale and every pill for allergies that is safe warns that it could suppress milk supply. Nose sprays seem to be a better bet.
Does Benadryl affect breast milk supply?
Birth control methods with estrogen, cold medications with pseudoephedrine, and the fertility medication clomiphene can all dry up your breast milk supply. Some people have suggested that diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may affect breast milk supply, too.
Do antihistamines affect breast milk production?
All antihistamines are considered safe to use during breastfeeding, as minimal amounts are excreted in the breast milk and would not cause any adverse effects on a breastfeeding infant.
Can Zyrtec affect milk supply?
Cold and allergy meds that are safe while breastfeeding include: Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra Claritin, and Xyzal.
What medications affect breast milk supply?
Medications that affect breast milk productionZyrtec-D (cetirizine/pseudoephedrine)Claritin-D (loratadine/pseudoephedrine)Allegra-D (fexofenadine/pseudoephedrine)Aleve-D Sinus and Cold (naproxen/pseudoephedrine)
Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?
However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.
Will Claritin dry up breast milk?
Antihistamines, which are meant to fight allergies, are safe for a nursing baby, but other ingredients may be best avoided. Claritin-D contains the antihistamine loratadine as well as a decongestant. “Decongestants can dry up your breast milk so it is best to avoid these,” says Silverman.
Why am I not producing enough milk all of a sudden?
Sudden drops in milk supply can be caused by stress, diet, hormonal imbalances, and some medical conditions. Eating healthy and taking supplements can improve your milk supply. Stress management and self care will help you avoid sudden drops in milk production.
How do you revive breast milk supply?
Breastfeed MoreBreastfeed your baby or pump the breast milk from your breasts at least 8 to 12 times a day. If it has been a while since your baby was at the breast, it may take a lot of loving persistence and consistency. ... Offer both breasts at every feeding. ... Utilize breast compression. ... Avoid artificial nipples.
How can I increase my milk supply quickly?
You can increase your milk supply by:Nursing your baby often. ... Nurse your baby at least 15 minutes at each breast. ... Gently massage breast before and during feedings.Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress and promote the flow of breast milk.Provide skin to skin time with your baby for about 20 minutes after feeds.More items...
How do you know when your milk is drying up?
What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they're getting. ... Lack of weight gain. ... Signs of dehydration.
How long do I need to pump and dump after taking medication?
If you use recreational drugs in a one-off manner, it's essential to pump and dump for 24 hours. It's also necessary to find someone else able to care for and bottle feed your baby while you're under the influence of drugs.
Should I pump and dump after taking Benadryl?
Benadryl doesn't affect the amount of milk your body makes. However, it may decrease the flow of milk from your breasts. Benadryl can also be passed to your child through your breast milk when you take the pills or use it on your skin.
Which antihistamine is best for breastfeeding?
Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother: Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997), Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)
Can lactating mothers take cetirizine?
Drug Levels and Effects Ophthalmic use of cetirizine by the mother should pose little risk to the breastfed infant.
What are the side effects of Zyrtec?
Common side effects may include:drowsiness, tiredness;dizziness, feeling light-headed;feeling hot, sweating;numbness, tingling, burning pain;decreased sense of taste;headache;upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or.dry mouth, sore throat.
How do you know when your milk is drying up?
What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they're getting. ... Lack of weight gain. ... Signs of dehydration.
Should I pump and dump after taking Benadryl?
Benadryl doesn't affect the amount of milk your body makes. However, it may decrease the flow of milk from your breasts. Benadryl can also be passed to your child through your breast milk when you take the pills or use it on your skin.
What is the best medication for breast feeding?
Motrin (ibuprofen) relieves both pain and inflammation. Motrin is one of the preferred anti-inflammatory medications when breastfeeding because it is processed quickly by the body and does not stay in a mother's milk long. Some medications to avoid while breastfeeding include:
What to consider when deciding which cold and allergy meds to take while breastfeeding?
When deciding which cold and allergy meds to take while breastfeeding consider: The risk the medication might have on your baby. The benefits of the medication for your health. The overall benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
How to reduce the transfer of cold meds to breastmilk?
You can reduce the risk of your cold or allergy meds transferring to your breastmilk by: Using an alternative method of taking the drugs, such as a nasal spray instead of cold and flu tablets for a stuffy nose. Using the lowest appropriate dose to manage your symptoms.
How long does it take for a nasal spray to work?
Flonase and Nasacort are nasal sprays that can help with sinus pressure and congestion. They are considered safe for breastmilk and babies but may take days or weeks to work.
How to know if cold and allergy medicine is safe?
How to Know Which Cold and Allergy Meds Are Safe? Check with your healthcare provider first if you're breastfeeding and plan to take medication. Avoid taking unnecessary medications, such as herbal medications, high-dose vitamins, and unusual supplements. Also, ask your doctor about timing.
What antihistamines are safe for breastfeeding?
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other antihistamines are also considered safe but do not have as much research to support this. These include Allegra Claritin, and Xyzal. Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes.
What is the best treatment for itchy eyes?
Antihistamines such as Zatador are available as eye drops, which help itchy, watery eyes. A good option for nasal drainage is a saline nasal rinse. These rinses flush out allergens from the nasal passages. This helps to decrease drainage produced.
Which medications limit your milk supply?
Decongestants and other medications containing pseudoephedrine, like Sudafed, Zyrtec-D, Claritin-D and Allegra-D
What can you do if you have low breast milk?
Some women naturally produce more breast milk than others, and some need a bit of extra help. Some common supplements that may help increase your breast milk production include fenugreek, Brewer’s yeast, Moringa and red raspberry leaf.
Do all medications pass into breast milk?
Almost any drug that's present in your blood will transfer into your breast milk to some extent. Most medications do so at low levels and pose no real risk to most infants. There are exceptions, though, in which drugs can become concentrated in breast milk. As a result, every medication must be considered separately.
Does my baby's health and age influence how he or she might be affected by exposure to medication in my breast milk?
Yes. Exposure to medication in breast milk poses the greatest risk to premature babies , newborns, and babies who are medically unstable or have poorly functioning kidneys.
Should I stop breast-feeding while taking medication?
Most medications are safe to take while breast-feeding. Also, the benefit of continuing to take a medication for a chronic condition while breast-feeding often outweighs any potential risks.
What medications are safe to take while breast-feeding?
With your health care provider's input, consider this list of medications found to be safe during breast-feeding. Keep in mind that this isn't a comprehensive list of safe medications.
What if my baby has a reaction?
When you're taking medication, watch your baby for any changes in eating or sleeping habits, fussiness, or a rash. If you notice any change in your baby's behavior, contact his or her doctor.
Why are medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant?
Also, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant due to the limited volume of breast milk you produce during this time.
How long after birth can you breastfeed?
The risk is lowest for healthy babies 6 months and older, who can move drugs through their bodies efficiently. Women who breast-feed more than one year after childbirth often make relatively smaller quantities of milk. This reduces the amount of medication transferred to breast milk. Also, medications used in the two days after childbirth transfer at very low levels to your infant due to the limited volume of breast milk you produce during this time.
What allergy medicine can I take while breastfeeding?
In this category, you will find drugs such as Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Allegra, or Claritin.
What is the best over the counter medication for allergies?
Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton are two of the most common over the counter treatments for allergies.
Can you check out LactMed before breastfeeding?
As a breastfeeding mother, you should also check out the LactMed app and website before taking any type of treatment. There is iTune app or Android app for checking out any known side-effects of any medications while breastfeeding.
Does Claritin make you drowsy?
On the other hand, antihistamines like Claritin, with the active ingredient loratadine or Allegra with the active ingredient fexofenadine, tend to not have such unpleasant side effects as the previous ones. With these medicines, you will not feel as sedated and drowsy, so you can still take care of your daily tasks as usual.
Can antihistamines affect babies?
As far as how antihistamines might affect your baby, there is no real reason for concern.
Is it important to understand your allergies?
It is essential to understand your allergies and read the instructions of every treatment before you start administrating it.
Should nursing mothers take allergy medicine?
If you suffer from any form of allergy, you should pay attention to the medication you take as a nursing mother. It is essential to know from the beginning that the safest thing to do before you start any treatment is to talk to your doctor.
Can antihistamines affect supply?
On the other hand, especially if you'll be taking an antihistamine or cold medicine for long-term use, registered nurse and IBCLC Angie Mann Natero shares "many of them do have the potential to have a negative impact on supply." Although this isn't the case for every breastfeeding mom, it's possible that some moms may notice a change.
Can you take antihistamines while breastfeeding?
Overall, you should consult with your doctor on which antihistamines and cold medicines are best for you while you're breastfeeding. They don't have a major, negative impact on everybody, but each case is different. If you're going to use them more long term or are already struggling with low milk supply, it may be a good idea to reach out to your lactation consultant or healthcare provider to get advice on managing allergies or colds while trying to keep up supply. In addition, there are precautions you can take to keep your baby a little more protected from germs.
Can decongestants affect milk supply?
According to a study on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), if you're already struggling with supply, decongestants may have a larger impact on your milk supply. In the aforementioned Kelly Mom article, Pharmacologist Dr. Thomas Hale said that “breastfeeding mothers with poor or marginal milk production should be exceedingly cautious in using pseudoephedrine” because “it is apparent that mothers in late-stage lactation may be more sensitive to pseudoephedrine and have greater loss in milk production.”
Can antihistamines make a baby sleepy?
The article suggested avoiding these effects by choosing a non-drowsy antihistamine. Although this shouldn't impact your supply directly, it may have an effect on how often you're breastfeeding if you or the baby are more tired than normal, and in turn, mess with your supply in the long run.
Does pseudoephedrine reduce milk supply?
Kelly Mom shared that pseudoephedrine, a type of decongestant, may reduce milk supply. Some tips that Kelly Mom offered up to help minimize any hit to your breast milk supply include avoiding more than one decongestant at a time when possible, using short-acting forms (6 hours or less) instead of long-acting varieties, and taking medication after a nursing session as opposed to before.
Does Zyrtec dry milk?
But of all of them Zyrtec is going to dry your milk up the least. But you have to take any allergy meds sparingly, only when you really need it the most, not on a regular basis.
Does honey help with allergies?
Local Honey & Nettle tea will help your body build it's defense against seasonal allergies. Try to get honey produced as close to your home (or hometown) as possible.