Can I breastfeed if I have seasonal allergies?

Can I Breastfeed If I Have Seasonal Allergies?
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish your baby, but many new mothers wonder how their health conditions, such as seasonal allergies, might affect this process. The good news is that you can breastfeed while managing seasonal allergies.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, often triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, can lead to symptoms like a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. These symptoms can be bothersome, especially for new mothers who are already navigating the challenges of caring for a newborn. However, experts emphasize that seasonal allergies do not pose a risk to breastfeeding.
Managing Symptoms While Breastfeeding
According to lactation consultants, there are effective strategies to alleviate the discomfort of seasonal allergies without compromising breastfeeding. Over-the-counter antihistamines are generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any medication. Nasal sprays and saline rinses can also provide relief from nasal congestion without affecting milk supply or quality.
Impact on Breast Milk
One common concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether allergens can be transmitted through breast milk. Fortunately, breast milk is typically safe and does not cause allergic reactions in infants. In fact, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of allergies in children, as it supports the development of their immune systems.
Family History and Allergies
If there is a family history of allergies, it’s important to monitor your baby for any signs of allergic reactions, especially if you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms. However, the presence of seasonal allergies in the mother does not inherently increase the likelihood of the baby developing allergies.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding while managing seasonal allergies is not only possible but also safe. With the right strategies to manage symptoms, mothers can continue to provide the best nutrition for their babies without compromising their own comfort. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice, especially regarding medication and allergy management.

How to get rid of a cold while breastfeeding?

Try the following to help the discomfort of a cold or a sore throat when breastfeeding:

1. Take honey and lemon mixed in hot water, or sip on other warm fluids like natural teas to keep your throat moist.
2. Gargle some salt water.
3. If you have a cough, try a cough medicine that is based on glycerine and honey.

Will allergy meds dry up breast milk?

Affect on Milk Supply
Studies show some nasal decongestants, though considered safe to take while breastfeeding, have been shown to decrease milk supply. Therefore, avoid allergy medications that are combined with a decongestant whenever possible.

When should you not breastfeed?

Women who actively use drugs or do not control their alcohol intake, or who have a history of these situations, also may be advised not to breastfeed. Infants who have galactosemia—a rare metabolic disorder in which the body cannot digest the sugar galactose—should not be breastfed.

How to treat seasonal allergies while breastfeeding?

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

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

Will my baby catch my cold if I breastfeed?

With most common illnesses like a cold or flu, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby as long as you take proper hygiene precautions like handwashing. Continuing to breastfeed will help you to maintain your milk supply and will provide your baby with protection against the illness you are experiencing.

Why is Zyrtec not recommended for breastfeeding?

However, caution is advised for cetirizine use while breastfeeding due to the theoretical risk of CNS depression based on limited human data and risk of decreased milk production.

Can I pass my allergies to my baby through breastfeeding?

Food allergens in the mother’s diet can pass through into the breastmilk so a breastfed baby can have an allergic response or intolerance to something in the mother’s diet.

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.

What is the most common allergy in a breastfed baby?

Food allergies in babies can cause mild to severe skin reactions, respiratory problems, and intestinal symptoms. Breastfed babies typically develop allergies to the foods that their mother eats. The most common food allergies in babies and children include milk and dairy products, peanuts, and shellfish.

How can I prevent passing my cold to my baby?

The best defense against the common cold is commonsense precautions and frequent hand-washing.

1. Keep your baby away from anyone who’s sick.
2. Wash your hands before feeding or touching your baby.
3. Clean your baby’s toys and pacifiers often.
4. Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue.