Taking Medication While Breastfeeding

Unfortunately, no antihistamines or allergy meds. I got the flu while pregnant and was absolutely miserable, to say the least. My doc ended up giving me a prescription for Tylenol w/ Codeine for my cough because it was causing early labor. Then I got sick again when my baby girl was around 4 months old and they wouldn't let me take anything but tylenol:(

If you haven't tried yet, try a nasal wash. Either a Neti pot, or I use one by NeilMed. It hasn't helped as much this year, but last year, I was able to control my allergies with the nasal wash exclusively.

I just went to the pharmacy over the weekend for the very same reason. My eyes were puffy and I co uldnt' keep them open they itched so bad and I couldn't breathe at all. He told me that yes the antihistamines get into the milk but the risk is also drying up your milk. I feel like we work so hard to get a full supply, I didn't want to risk it. I was just miserable for a few days.
It seems like some other mamas have given you some alternatives that I too will try next time but I would stay away from the benadryls or claratins. Good luck!

Good morning!

I had the absolute worst allergies as well, couldn't sleep I was so miserable. I took a tablespoon of New Mexico honey every day and still do during allergy season. The babies can't have honey, but it doesn't get in your milk while you are nursing. Perfectly safe and not a medicine. Be patient when you first take it, it may take a week to kick in, but it's worth it, all your allergies are pretty much gone, sneezing, watery eyes and stuffy nose! Good luck.

I'm not a Doctor of any sort and would say to call your local pharmacy and they will tell you exactly what you can take. I just finished breast feeding and went through the same painful allergies but my Dr and pharmacist both said I could only take Benadryl (which knocks you out and then you can't take care of baby.) So, I just dealt with my allergies until I was through nursing. Good luck Mama.

When I was nursing, my Dr always let me take Claritan. but, I always had plenty of milk, so I didn't worry about any potential supply problems. Also, during nursing (and pregnancy for that matter), she let me use Afrin nose drops for severe stuffiness. One caution though, you can't use Afrin for more than 3 days or it can mess up your sinuses.
This year, I started using a neti pot (nasal irrigation with saline), and I have been ASTOUNDED by how few nasal allergy problems I have had! Usually, I am miserable in spring without Claritan D. But, I haven't had to take it even once this spring! It's a little weird to do at first, but I highly recommend giving it a try. No side effects at all for you or baby!

I would talk to your doctor or the pharmacists, it's not worth the risk. However doctors also vary on what they think so keep that in mind.

Some people are very liberal when it comes to medication while pregnant or nursing however I am not. I don't take anything unless I have to. I have allergies but not severe so I take nothing; however I understand someone having bad allergies might want help.

While I was pregnant and/or nursing I didn't take anything, not worth it to me. The baby gets what you get and even though they say it may not harm them, I still don't think it's good.

Some of the moms suggested some great alternatives that I would look into.

Best of luck and I hope you feel better soon.

When I breastfed, I used natural alternatives such as alfalfa, b-complex, and a good vitamin c. It made such a huge difference and I use them to this day. There is a naturopathic doctor speaking this evening at 7 pm on the benefits of using natural alternatives and how to detox your home to help build your immune system. If you are interested, I'll e-mail you the details.

Take care!

I am also nursing my almost 6 month old and dealing with allergies from all the winds. My husband, who is a Family Practice PA, "prescribed" me a benadryl at night and a Claritin in the morning. So far it has proven to be a good combo and things are much better and both are safe for baby, too, and/or do not pass through the milk. Good luck and hope you get some relief soon.
J.

I am also currently breast feeding a baby girl (almost eight months) and the safe medications list my Doc gave me says that you can take Sutaphed (the original one). I have taken it it didn't mess with my milk or make her sleepy. I wouldn't take it long term but it will be fine for a few days. Long Term the saline flushes everyone is talking about helped me out too. Also you can start taking the Garden Of Life Utimate Probiotics that they sell at health food stores, such as sprouts, they contain HSO's which helps your body not to over react to things like pollun. When I was taking them my alergies went away completely. Hope that helps. God Bless.

L., in general, anything you could take while you were pregnant you can take now. So sudafed and benadryl are fine. I have personally taken both while pregnant and breastfeeding and saw no side effects in my son. I have also taken Tylenol 3 during both and again have never seen any side effects (like drowsiness) in my son. If you're really worried about it, give her pediatrician a call and ask them. Good luck!

When I was breastfeeding, I called the pharmacy and they recommended saline drops and a humidifier for my allergies!! Maybe call your Dr assistant and ask them.

It won't help watery eyes but try a Neti Pot for the nasal allergies! I haven't taken allergy meds in years!

CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING ANYTHING!!!!!

My doctor told me that some of the "dry you up" medications will ACTUALLY DRY UP YOUR MILK!!! I breastfed exclusively as well and took nothing because I was afraid of losing supply. I nursed through 4 painful bouts of mastitis.

Good luck!!

There is a reference book put out every year by Dr Thomas Hale called "Medications and Mother's Milk." It lists medications one by one with the research and studies that went into them and whatever is known about their effect on nursing infants. If you can't get a hold of a copy of it, shoot me an email and I'll look up for you whatever medications you may be taking for their safety in breastfeeding. The book is widely available at places like Amazon, etc.

I think they can dry up your milk. I took some when I was breastfeeding and it did not totally dry me up but it cut down on the supply... You might check on this.

Hi L.
First find out what the pollen count is in your area if it is high Then you need to stay inside your home until the count comes down. You can find that information in a local newspaper. Second buy some patchouli oil thats if you don't mind the smell. put it on your adams apple and inhale it when you are getting the snezzies. Pappermint oil is also great for the tender nose and that will help headaches and clear your sinuses. It is graet stuff. Good luck. L. M.

I would call the doctor

he might prescribe something that you would have to not breast feed for a day or 2 ---- you still need to not be uncomfortable too

Have heard benedryl is pretty safe. ( I did not get much relief from it though.) Stinging Nettle herb sold in caspules is for allergies. You may have to experiment to see what does works for you.
I have heard Nasalcrom may be a safer option...as it is supposed to just work locally in the nose, rather than being transported all over the body.
There is always the wash -out-your-nose with a netti pot or saline spray approach.
Good luck!!

Benedryl and other antihistamines dry you up... including your breast milk. Before you take anything I'd talk to a lactation consultant or do some more research. I remember hearing Mucinex was ok for breastfeeding moms, but I'd read up on it to be sure. Saline spray for your nose is ok, nasal wash with a neti pot, and a warm shower is always a good thing!

I hope you feel better! Allergies are the worst, especially when you re limited in your options.

I've taken Clairitin and Benadryl while pregnant and nursing.....most things are relatively safe to take while nursing, some people are just extra-conservative is all.

I'm a breastfeeding mommy myself and per my doctor's say, it is perfectly safe to take Claritin. I had to take it during pregnancy as well. It would be fine to take Benedryl as well, however, a side affect as you may know is serious drowsiness -- not the greatest thing to deal with while trying to take care of a little one! I take Claritin and so far so good with us!

L., Antihistimines are usually safe in small doses for a limited period of time, but the major side effect is decrease milk supply and possible sedation or sleepiness in your baby. Since your baby is already 6 months, the risk to baby are much diminished since her body has matured a lot and she is likely several pounds heavier than at birth. So, You can take 25-50 mg Benedryl or Chlor-Trimeton safely or something more effective like Claritin. Just keep an eye on your baby's behavior and your milk supply. Best wishes. If you have more questions, go to www.kellymom.com--it has a wealth of good info. Feel better....R., nurse midwife mom of 2