Allergies of a nursing mother and breastfeeding
Allergy is a common chronic disease and the most common chronic disease in Europe (EAACI, 2016). Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that between 10% and 40% of the total population suffer from allergies (Pawankar, R., 2013). If this condition is so prevalent, there is a high probability that a breastfeeding mother may be faced with the dilemma of how to treat her allergy symptoms and combine breastfeeding of the baby. If it is easy to give up a particular food product, what about seasonal allergies to pollen or insect stings? In this case, allergy symptoms are worth treating, because most allergy medications are compatible with lactation. But not all!
We can divide allergy medications into the forms in which they are used.
Nasal sprays and eye drops are a good choice because they act locally and do not pass into breast milk. You can also try nasal rinsing with physiological saline solution for allergic rhinitis.
I will highlight two medications used for allergic reactions that reduce milk production. They should be avoided if possible during breastfeeding.
This is pseudoephedrine, which is found under other brand names, so I recommend reading the ingredients of medicines. Pseudoephedrine is also sold in combination with other medicines, such as in cold powders. For breastfeeding mums, especially those with problems or risks of decreased milk production and in the late stages of lactation, should be careful when using pseudoephedrine and use safer alternatives if possible. And there are alternatives. Also, pseudoephedrine can adversely affect a baby's sleep and feeding patterns, which can lead to weight loss or worse weight gain. In general, pseudoephedrine falls into the L3 category. These are drugs that are moderately safe/probably compatible with lactation and should only be prescribed if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk (Hale, T. W., 2021).
The next antihistamine to avoid is diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl. It may decrease milk supply. There is not enough research on this at the moment. Benadryl is also a sedative, causing drowsiness in both mother and baby. Therefore, it is recommended to either use it for a short time only or use safer alternatives. It is categorized as L2, which means that this drug may be compatible with breastfeeding without increasing side effects in the baby, but there is not enough research and the evidence is limited (Hale, T. W., 2021).
I would like to remind you that the information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a doctor! You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right medicine for you!
If you want to know about the effects of a particular medicine on breastfeeding and your baby, you can ask for help from a lactation consultant. Lactation consultant cannot treat or prescribe a medication, but the specialist will inform you about the available information, studies and recommendations. After such counselling, it will be easier for you to work with your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right treatment for you and, if necessary, to find an alternative that is compatible with breastfeeding.
Do you have any questions? I will be happy to answer them. Write!
Sources:
Pawankar, R., 2013: World Allergy Organisation (WAO) White Book on Allergy: Update 2013
EAACI, 2016: The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Advocacy Manifesto, 2016
Hale, T. W., 2021: Thomas W. Hale. ‘Hale's Medications & Mother's Milk.’ 2021. 19th Edition.
Article author: Aleksandra Ņekrasova
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