Antihistamine and breastfeeding

[Italianasoitis]

I only breastfeed my 18 month old first thing in the morning (6.30 am ish) and last thing at night (8pm ish).

Having not been able to take antihistamines for the past 2 years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, and having a very red nose from seasonal allergies, I decided to take one.

Now I'm worried it will still be in my breastmilk in 12 hours. Would you worry or just breastfeed tonight as usual?

I don't know the answer, but (it's a few years ago now) when I was bf I used to take the same dose that the baby could have taken and thus knew it was safe.

Ooh clever! Let me look at the box now

you're fine with antihistamine like loratadine when breastfeeding. Here's the breastfeeding network advice xx

www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/antihistamines/

You have been given poor information if you have been told you can’t take any antihistamines when breastfeeding. You need to choose a second-generation, non-drowsy antihistamine like loratidine, cetirizine or fexofenadine. The Breastfeeding Network is a reliable source of good-quality evidence: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/antihistamines/

Who told you that you can’t take antihistamines?! Have you struggled through 18 months of allergies? You poor thing.

The breastfeeding network as posted by a couple of pp is really good for advice. Remember too that guidance is based on ultimate caution for an EBF newborn, not a much bigger 18 month old who only feeds twice a day and has a varied diet. You don’t need to stick to a paediatric dose. Any levels in your milk will be absolutely tiny.

Thanks everyone. I think it was a pharmacist who told me I couldn't. Yes, my allergies have been terrible. I took to sleeping with 2 face masks on, one over my nose and mouth, the others over my eyes as they would get very irritated, especially as my allergies were worse at night. I topped it off with vaseline up my nose! Have felt amazing today with no sneezing! Breastfeeding baby now!

The nasal spray is also suitable when breast feeding. I think its suitable when pregnant but I may have misremembered.

Loratadine and cetrizine are safe when pregnant also. Very poor advice you’ve been given. Sorry you’ve suffered for so long

I took cetrizine throughout pregnancy on the advice of my gp

I'm honestly really cross on your behalf that you had to suffer unnecessarily for so long. That pharmacist is totally incompetent.

I was also denied antihistamines when I was pregnant a decade ago and had to go to call the out of hours number for a Dr to clear me to take them. I was sneezing so much one evening that i had to cancel my plans. Its only during the summer so hasn't been long term, but my allergies can be so miserable. I should have pushed for more information this time around.