BF and Hayfever - what can I take?

[NikkiTwinkle]

Hi all
Not sure if this is a post for here or the Allergies section, but here goes.

I am suffering from hayfever and went to the Chemist and was told that I can't take anything as I'm still feeding my DD. I've got some eye drops which stops me wanting to scratch my eyes out, but it doesn't help with the sore throat, runny nose and general feeling rubbish.

Its not a cold as my Son has hayfever too.

Is it worth a trip to the Docs, will they prescribe something too me? Don't want to waist their time if there's nothing I can do.

Thanks
Nikki

there are various homeopathic remedies you can buy from boots which i've found very helpful... one called pollenna which i think is made by nelsons, and boots have an own brand one in a yellow box you'll find in the same section.

If you believe in it, fine, but homeopathic remedies contain no active ingredients so I wouldn't waste the money myself.

The BNF says this:

"Breast-feeding Most antihistamines are present in breast milk in varying amounts; although not known to be harmful, most manufacturers advise avoiding their use in mothers who are breast-feeding."

Here's some info on KellyMom:

kellymom.com/health/meds/cold-remedy.html#antihistamines

I'd talk to your doctor about whether they and you are happy taking something.

In the meantime, the HayMax stuff to put around your nostrils (special Vaseline basically) is a barrier preventative, not a drug, so is perfectly safe and has been proven to help with hayfever.

My doctor prescribed Beconase when I was pg and again during BF'ing.

Thanks, just booked appt with doc, but can't get in for a week! Will try the HayMax stuff Japhrimel in the meantime.

When i was 12 weeks pregnant i was taking boatloads of choramphenamine (1 every 2 hrs for 2 weeks); piriton, but the old one that makes you drowsy not the one-a-day one. This was due to a v. severe allergic reaction rash thing and it was prescribed by hospital Dr. He said that it was ok to take.

ds1 now 5 no obvious effects (though he was a very good sleeper ).

Dr said it was ok but the newer non-drowsy ones werent.

I had beconase and piriton prescribed but was told to lay off the flixonase

Breastfeeding Network Leaflet on antihistamines here

how old is your dd?

anti-histamines dry up bodily secretions, and that includes breastmilk

some people can take one and not really notice an effect, some will find their supply drops a litlte, and in extreme cases your milk can almost completely go.

I think it's a case of it all going back to normal if you then stop taking the medication, and personally i've taken the odd lemsip here and there whilst breastfeeding and noticed no difference.

however, if your baby is quite small still i wouldn't risk it, esp if it's something you need to take every day

my friend who was pregnant with very bad hay fever found great relief with one of those light probe up the nose contraptions, sold at Lloyd's pharmacies last year.

my DH has horrendous hay fever and already takes prescription antihistamines year-round. he also found it really helpful. on my phone so can't do a link, hopefully you can Google it or someone will know what i mean!

I've used one of these for the last two years and although I still sneeze a little bit, it doesn't bother me. Before that, I used to rely heavily on anti-histamines / flixonase every day during the hayfever season.

I'm sure I only paid £15 for mine though....maybe this is a new, advanced model...

they were on sale for £40 but were 'half price' for months. thanks for doing the link.

I get horrendous hayfever. I took piriton while pregnant when I was really struggling. I intend to do the same this year while breastfeeding (that's if DD still wants my boobs! But that's another thread).

Hate hate hate the miserableness of hayfever!