Check with the lactation consultants at the hospital but it sounds like many people have done ok with it. The most important thing is to demand-feed so that your body keeps getting the signal that you need milk. When you put a baby on a schedule, your body kind of turns off in between feedings and you can have supply issues if you are also taking a drug that dries you up. So, from the beginning, your response to any rooting or crying should be to feed the baby and then if it is still fussy, see if it's something else. I'd also pump some in between if you feel like you are losing your supply. There are some great natural ways to up your supply if you have trouble and there is one prescription as well. Don't get too worried about it, stress is about the worst thing you can do for your supply, so sit back and enjoy every minute you have nursing your snuggly little baby, don't worry about what tomorrow might bring!
If all else fails, you can get a medical prescription for breastmilk and most insurance companies will pay for donor milk from a bank (usually $4-10 an ounce!!!).
Ask the pharmacist(s).
They mighthave suggestions for you.
Hi,Jennier!
I have really bad allergies as well! In fact my allergies were so bad,if I went outside for even 10 mins, I wouldn't be able to breathe,had itchy eyes, and a runny nose. I was going to take Zyrtec as well but, if you look on the box, it says don't take if you are breast feeding! I am taking Allegra, NOT the D! It has helped me so much!! I can actually go outside for extended periods of time and not have any ill effects! You do need a prescription for it but,your doctor can write one for you .There is a generic version of Allegra which is cheaper. Good Luck!
I'm on singulair and it is good. I also have to take claritin with it. The claritin is an antihistamine and the singulair is a leukotreine blocker these together work to block allergies. I'm breastfeeding and have been for 3 months now and my allergies are being controlled with these two working together. I also have allery eye drops (which can make my milk taste biter evidently but the babe doesn't seem to mind too much) which I don't take that often and I have a nose spray that I use sparingly (only when absolutely necessary).
I hope this helps. Claritin is otc now and target and cvs make a generic version, fyi.
Also, I know there is a zyrtec D and a regular zyrtec. D stands for decongestant which would dry up your milk. You may want to check with an allergist about whether or not the regular zyrtec does dry up your milk.
hope this helps!
-beth
Jennifer, find a pharmacist who specializes in breastfeeding. S/he can give you exact information about breastfeeding and medications that will give you problems. They can also suggest meds that will not complicate breastfeeding. Don't stop your quest until someone can help you. Maybe you can take another safe medication that will counter the affects of Zyrtec.
Hi Jennifer, I have allergies & asthma. I breast-fed my baby. Talk to your Dr. or allergy specialist aboout it. Best wishes, & enjoy your new baby.
Lou Ann