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Does nasal spray decrease milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Nasal Spray on Milk Supply
The relationship between nasal spray use and breast milk supply is a nuanced topic that has garnered attention, particularly among breastfeeding mothers. While nasal sprays are commonly used to alleviate congestion, their effects on lactation are not straightforward.
Nasal Sprays and Their Mechanism
Nasal sprays, particularly those containing decongestants, work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, which reduces swelling and congestion. However, overuse of these sprays can lead to a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa, where the nasal passages become more congested once the medication is stopped. This cycle of dependency can lead to increased stress and discomfort, which may indirectly affect a mother’s ability to produce milk.
Oxytocin and Milk Ejection
Interestingly, oxytocin, a hormone crucial for milk ejection during breastfeeding, has been studied in the context of nasal sprays. Research indicates that oxytocin nasal spray can assist mothers who have difficulty expressing milk, particularly for preterm infants. However, the administration of exogenous oxytocin has not consistently shown a beneficial effect on overall milk supply, suggesting that while it may help with the ejection reflex, it does not necessarily increase the quantity of milk produced.
Potential Indirect Effects on Milk Supply
While there is no direct evidence that nasal sprays decrease milk supply, the stress and discomfort associated with nasal congestion and the potential overuse of nasal sprays could lead to a decrease in milk production. Stress is known to negatively impact lactation, as it can inhibit the release of oxytocin and prolactin, hormones essential for milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while nasal sprays do not directly decrease milk supply, their use—especially if excessive—can lead to complications that may indirectly affect a mother’s ability to breastfeed effectively. Mothers experiencing nasal congestion should consider alternative remedies and consult healthcare providers to ensure both their respiratory health and breastfeeding success are maintained.

Can breastfeeding moms take Flonase?

It’s usually OK to use your fluticasone nasal spray or drops as normal while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known how much fluticasone gets into breast milk, but it’s likely to be a tiny amount. Your baby will not absorb a lot of fluticasone into their body from the breast milk.

Will Flonase dry up my milk supply?

Most allergy medication are considered safe for use while breastfeeding and will not impact your milk supply.

What dries up milk supply fast?

To help dry up your milk supply: Drink one mug of sage or peppermint tea 3 or 4 times per day, for 2 to 3 days. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help dry up your milk, but ask your doctor before using this medicine, and do not take it if you have kidney or thyroid problems, or if you have glaucoma.

What shortens your milk supply?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.

Can nasal spray affect milk supply?

They can reduce milk supply in some mothers. An example is Sudafed. Nose Sprays: Nose sprays can be used. A decongestant spray (such as Afrin) is a safe choice while breastfeeding.

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.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

Do decongestants dry up milk supply?

Remember, there are also many medications that can reduce your milk supply. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl, Zyrtec, Allegra, etc, or decongestants like Sudafed, can decrease your milk supply.

Does Afrin dry up milk supply?

This helps to decrease drainage produced. Afrin (oxymetazoline) nasal spray is a nasal decongestant that can be used safely while breastfeeding. Because the medicine is not absorbed well from the nasal passages, it doesn’t have the same effect on milk supply that decongestants taken by mouth can have.

Can I give nasal spray to my baby after feeding?

FLO Baby Saline can be used as often as needed. If baby’s nose is blocked or congested, then use it 5- 10 minutes before feeding. Use at any time of the day or night if nasal congestion is causing baby to be unsettled.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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