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The breastfeeding journey for some mothers is quite challenging, especially when they have to deal with recurring allergies. So, what are the recommended allergy medicines for breastfeeding mothers that are safe and effective.
Continuing to breastfeed when allergies occur is something you can do. Even if your body condition is unstable, for example experiencing a rash or itching, breastfeeding can still continue, Mother.
Talking about allergies, allergies cannot be transmitted through breast milk, so you don’t need to worry that your baby will develop allergy symptoms or be allergic to something that you are allergic to because of breastfeeding.
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Allergies in nursing mothers
An allergic reaction caused by a hyperstimulated or overly reactive immune response to something that is usually safe. But, regardless of what your body thinks, you can continue breastfeeding safely. Interestingly, breast milk can actually protect against the development of allergies so if you need a reason to continue breastfeeding, this is not a problem.
Regarding allergy medicine, there is actually no medicine that can get rid of your allergies. However, there are many treatment options available to help reduce allergy symptoms, as quoted from the Mattoslactation page.
Many people choose to undergo treatment to relieve allergy symptoms. This is okay to do, Mom. Although there is actually significant concern among breastfeeding mothers regarding the risk of allergy medications drying up breast milk. This fear is not unfounded because some antihistamines can dry up breast milk.
In fact, some breastfed babies use certain allergy medications to speed up the weaning process. Fortunately, small doses of allergy medication are rare and rarely have a negative impact on your breast milk supply.
In reality, only small amounts of almost all medications taken by breastfeeding mothers pass into their breast milk. In most cases, less than 1 percent makes it through to the final product.
This means that, with few exceptions, breastfeeding mothers can continue taking their medications, including most over-the-counter medications because the amount your baby is taking is not nearly enough to affect the medication.
“The amount of drug that actually passes into breast milk, for most drugs, is usually very small,” said Dr Heidi Szugye, DO, IBCLC, as quoted on the Clevelandclinic page.
“Some of them are even broken down by the acid content in the stomach and the baby so that often, when they reach the baby’s bloodstream, the amounts are very small,” he added.
When considering medicines that are safe to consume, there are several general rules that apply, Mother. The following include:
If a medication is usually prescribed for babies, it is likely safe to take while breastfeeding, as babies usually receive a lower dose from breast milk compared to taking the medication directly. Medicines considered safe to take during pregnancy are, with few exceptions, also safe to take while breastfeeding.
Take medicine only if you really need it. Consider non-drug alternative therapies, if possible. Take the lowest dose possible for the shortest time possible.
Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor, midwife, or lactation counselor if you have concerns about the medication you are taking while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding illustration/ Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto/maybefalse
Recommended allergy medication for breastfeeding mothers
Here are some allergy medicines for breastfeeding mothers that are safe and effective:
1. Cetirizine
Cetirizine is an antihistamine allergy medication. This drug is an antihistamine which works by blocking the production of histamine which causes allergy symptoms.
2. Chlorpheniramine
This drug is considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. The effect on lactation is only slight so it is not considered harmful to the baby. However, you still have to be careful when using it, especially if effects appear on the baby, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Fexofenadine
This drug, which is included in the antihistamines category, can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and chronic hives. It is not yet known whether this drug can be absorbed into breast milk or not. It’s a good idea to consult a doctor first for the safety of Mother and Little One.
4. CTM
This drug is considered safe for consumption by breastfeeding mothers and does not harm the baby as long as it is consumed in moderation and according to the dose recommended by the doctor.
5. Claritin
This drug is included in the antihistamine and antiallergy category. The claritin content can be absorbed in breast milk. For this reason, discuss with your doctor if breastfeeding mothers want to consume it.
Claritin itself is a drug that contains loratadine. This content is generally used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, skin bumps, and sneezing. Available in syrup and table form, this drug is included in the hard drug group so it can only be used with a doctor’s prescription.
Hopefully the information helps, Mother.
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