Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your
e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of
announcing news, events and special offers available only
AskDrSears.com registered users.
Baby Sling Closeout Special! Extended through May until sold out!
Buy a baby sling for a friend and get one free for yourself or get just one at 50% off.
Buy one get one free Discount code: freesling
Or 50% off your babysling Discount code: halfoff expires: 05/30/08
*Not valid in conjuction with any other offers.
Your privacy is a PRIMARY consideration of AskDrSears.com. Your
e-mail address is used ONLY by AskDrSears.com for the purpose of
announcing news, events and special offers available only
AskDrSears.com registered users.
ALLERGY MEDICATIONS
My allergies and asthma really get me down. What medicines can I safely take while I'm
breastfeeding?
When illnesses get you down, you'll have a hard time maintaining a good milk supply and taking
care of your baby. It's good to do something about your symptoms, rather than thinking you must
suffer through them because you are breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding is important when, as in your case, there are allergies in the family. The longer you
breastfeed the less likely your child is to inherit your allergies, and breastfeeding may also
decrease your own allergy symptoms for a while. Stress can trigger or aggravate asthma and
allergies. Breastfeeding stimulates your natural tranquilizing hormones, which may, in turn,
reduce the severity of your allergies.
The prescription and over-the-counter allergy medications commonly used to treat allergy symptoms are safe to take while breastfeeding. These include:
antihistamines , inhalant bronchodilators ,
cromolyn , decongestants , and cortisone sprays and tablets. Temporary irritability has been reported in newborns of
mothers taking high doses of theophylline , yet this medication is
considered safe to take while breastfeeding the infant over six months. Actually, newer and safer
albuterol -containing inhalants have replaced most of the theophylline-
containing medicines in the treatment of asthma . Unless your doctor has a
good reason for suggesting otherwise, it's better for nursing mothers to take albuterol-containing
bronchodilators by inhalation rather than orally. Inhalant bronchodilators work better and have
fewer side effects, and less of the medication is absorbed into the maternal blood stream, so that
there will be less in the milk.
AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers
of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice
on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual
needs.