Breastfeeding and hayfever

[1frenchfoodie]

Not sure if this is the right thread but I know there are lots of experienced mums here and I hope somebody can help. My allergies (cats, feathers, dust etc) and asthma disappeared during pregnancy but have come back with a vengence and I am worried about how I control hayfever while breastfeeding. It is bad already , particularly in the evenings - apparently tree pollen is to blame - and I am a red eyed, sniffing mess.

I'd normally take over the counter antihistamines (sparingly as they make me sleepy) but understand they can't be taken when bf. Am I reduced to nasal sprays and eye drops/spray then? One problem is that my strongest symptom is the roof of my mouth becomes inflamed and very itchy so not sure these will help. Are there any more limited duration antihitamines (say 4h) I could use alongside an expressed bottle for some relief? Or other safe medication?

I'm seeing doctor later this week as asthma flare up is serious and I can see I may have to go back to the preventitive inhalers I left behind in my teens. I plan to ask for allergy test so I can avoid triggers (never had one as main triggers very obvious - cats have a effect on me similar to teargas..).

[WhenDoISleep]

Info from the Breastfeeding Network.

[ChilliMum]

The stuff from the beast feeding network is right they are not necessarily harmful just untested because no drug company would test on a beast feeding mum.

I have terrible hayfever and took fexofenadine, eye drops, nasal spray and athsma pump for about 3 months of the year during breastfeeding feeding. Absolutely no problems.

I was able to get a list of comparatively safe medication from a beast feeding councillor which I took with me to the doctor and the doctor was happy to prescribe.

[JellyBeansHaveNoAgeLimit]

Anticongestants work by drying up your bodily fluids which includes Breastmilk so it could effect supply if taken

[Junosmum]

I was given antihistamine in hospital after delivery as I had a rash from morphine. I was told it was fine to take (piriton).

[Cakescakescakes]

Piriton is totally fine for bf. That's how I managed! (OH is a GP and says it's fine). Drugs like sudafed which dry up congestion aren't recommended as they can affect milk supply. You can also use nasal sprays and eye drops.

[1frenchfoodie]

Thanks for the reassurances re antihistamines and the useful handout, hopefully my GP is happy to prescribe. I was very worried about the season ahead but looks more poitive now.