Advice on med.s and Beastfeeding

Hi there,
I don't have allergies but I know people that do and I can imagine how uncomfortable it must be. I would be very cautious about the benadryl and it making him sleepy even though it is always a blessing when an infant sleeps through the night. I don't know how old your boy is but I do know that breastfed babies need to wake up for food in the middle of the night usually more often than formula babies. I don't think it is a good thing if the benadryl is making him sleep too much. (but like I said I don't know how old he is). I am not a big advocate of giving babies anything to make them sleep better ie. Tylenol or rice cereal in their bottle. I would check with your pediatrician to see if there are alternative allergy medications that do not cause harm or drowsiness to your boy. Do they have a non-drowsy Benadryl?

I use this stuff called SinuCleanse and a Neti Pot. I got it at WallGreens or CVS. It's an all natural saline solution nasal wash. It's a little awkward using it, but it helps some.

Have you asked your Dr. specifically about regular clariton (NOT CLARITON D) but just regular clariton? So far with everyone I've asked, in the hospital, etc. and checking on Kellymom.com it seems to be alright. As far as I can tell it hasn't had any negative affects, but of course you'd want to double check with your own Dr. I try to just take it when I'm having a hard time with my allergies or if I'll be somewhere with lots of pets, plants or dust. Hope you find something that works out. I know how miserable it is to try to function with out of control allergies!

Try calling the pediatricians office or a lactation consultant, sometimes they can tell you a better answer. Whatever you do don't take anything with a decongestant, it will dry up your milk!

It is so wonderful that you are providing your little one the beenfits of your milk. I know how hard it is to nurse when you are not feeling well. My concern with benadryl would be that over time it would dry up your milk. I took 1 dose to help me when I weened my baby and it really helped my engourgement.

Just a thought.

Yikes.. I'm so glad to hear you are concerned about this! It always amazes me to hear that doctors tell parents to take medicine that babies can't take, knowing it will go through their breastmilk. It's hard, though, when you are suffering and need something! Here's what might work. When I was younger, I used to take alfalfa tablets for my alergies, and they really helped. You can also buy theraswab alergy nasal swabs. My naturopathic Dr. actually recommened I used these with my infant son, so I know they are safe!!! I would highly recommend going into sprouts or a similar store and talking with the person who works in the health food section. They should be able to recommend some things. Just make sure you tell them you are breastfeeding. Good luck!!

I have some friends that have allergies and they take a nutritional product that clears their allergies and the babies are healthy as can be. If you take any kind of meds they go to the blood stream and into the baby through the milk. If you have any questions please contact me.

S. Lawrence
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