Are allergies worse when breastfeeding?

Understanding Allergies and Breastfeeding
The relationship between breastfeeding and allergies is a nuanced topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years. As parents navigate the complexities of infant health, understanding how breastfeeding may influence allergies is crucial.
Breastfeeding’s Protective Role
Research indicates that breastfeeding can play a protective role against the development of allergies in infants. Breast milk is rich in immune factors, including cytokines and other signaling molecules, which may help reduce the risk of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and food allergies. The early milk, or colostrum, is particularly beneficial, as it helps prevent potential allergens from entering the baby’s bloodstream. Studies suggest that exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months can significantly lower the risk and severity of food allergies, especially in infants with a family history of such conditions.
Concerns About Maternal Diet
Despite the protective benefits of breastfeeding, some mothers worry about the impact of their own diets on their breastfeeding infants. It is a common concern that certain foods consumed by the mother might lead to allergic reactions in the baby. However, human breast milk typically does not cause allergic reactions, and most mothers can continue breastfeeding even if their infants have food allergies. In fact, avoiding specific foods during breastfeeding is generally not recommended as a strategy to prevent allergies.
Family History and Allergies
The likelihood of developing allergies can be influenced by genetic factors. Infants with a family history of eczema, asthma, or food allergies are at a higher risk of developing similar conditions. In such cases, while breastfeeding remains beneficial, parents may need to be more vigilant about monitoring their child’s reactions to certain foods, especially if they are introduced later on.
Breastfeeding Challenges
While breastfeeding is largely beneficial, some infants may experience digestive intolerances to proteins in breast milk, leading to symptoms like fussiness or gastrointestinal discomfort. These instances are relatively rare, affecting about 2% to 3% of breastfed babies. In such cases, consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action, which may include dietary adjustments for the breastfeeding mother.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding is generally associated with a lower risk of allergies in infants, thanks to the protective components found in breast milk. While concerns about maternal diet and family history are valid, the overall consensus is that breastfeeding remains a vital and beneficial practice for infant health. As always, parents should consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice, especially if allergies are a concern in their family.

What is the best thing to take for allergies while breastfeeding?

Non-sedating antihistamines are the preferred choice for a breastfeeding mother:

• Loratadine (Clarityn®) (Powell 2007, Hilbert 1997),
• Cetirizine (Zirtek®, BecoAllergy®, Piriteze®, Benadryl®) reaches low levels in breastmilk and is recommended by the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Powell 2007)

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec, although generally safe, is not recommended during breastfeeding because it passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Possible side effects on the baby include irritation or lethargy. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication while breastfeeding.

What can I take for seasonal allergies while breastfeeding?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the preferred antihistamine when breastfeeding. Other second-generation antihistamines are also considered safe, but do not have as much research to support their use. These include Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratidine), and Xyzal (levocetirizine).

Do allergies get worse after having a baby?

And while there’s little that could lessen the overwhelming joy of motherhood, many women can experience the onset of new allergies or an increase in existing allergies after pregnancy. What’s strange, however, is that these reactions are difficult to explain definitively.

What are the four stages of breastfeeding?

The Basics of Breastfeeding
Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk. It occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of the baby.

Does breastfeeding lower the immune system for mom?

Breastfeeding also improves positive metabolic outcomes in mothers (21–23). Breast milk is a source of bioactive molecules, bacteria, and immune cells (8–10, 19).

What are 5 disadvantages of breastfeeding?

• There can be discomfort involved with breastfeeding.
• You may leak milk at times that are inconvenient or embarrassing.
• Feeding your baby in public may be more difficult.
• Everything you consume is being passed on to your baby.
• You need special clothing and bras for breastfeeding.

Does Claritin dry up breast milk?

Is It Safe to Take Claritin While Breastfeeding? While regular Claritin is completely fine, taking Claritin-D while breastfeeding may reduce milk supply. Claritin-D contains both loratadine, an antihistamine, and pseudoephedrine sulfate, a nasal decongestant,2 which may reduce milk supply, says Silverman.

Does breastfeeding make allergies worse?

Breastfeeding lessens a baby’s chance of becoming sensitized to an allergen. This means there’s a good chance your baby will not be sensitive to the foods you or your baby’s father/donor are sensitive to, later in life, if they are breastfed.